How do you get rid of ants in the kitchen? I also have small children in the house.?

Question

They keep coming to the dishwasher and fridge area. We have "wallgreen" traps for food that they should eat and die but the come back in droves evry morning... horrible. Help.

Answer 1

Raid. And then put everything that is left out on the counters in zip lock bags including cereal and all of your food that is in boxes.

Answer 2

The stuff you buy at the store can help sometimes, but it is so diluted in it's strength that it isn't always enough to fix the problem. I buy professional grade products (like what the bugman uses when he comes.) I buy mine at an online store that not only sells the stuff, but helps you know how to use it. They have a bugman you can call or email with questions and I've found him very helpful. I use a gel bait that you put a little of it where the line of ants originates. If you leave the ants and bait alone for 24 hours after putting the bait out, the ants take it to their nest and they will be gone by the end of the week, usually sooner. It's safe to use in kitchens and around children. I have three children under age 5 and I use it in my kitchen. Once they are taking the bait, I clean my counters and anything I've seen the ants on with an unscented window cleaner or 409. Ants follow each others scent trail and these cleaners get rid of the smell. I make sure to avoid the areas I've baited when spraying the cleaner and wiping up. I still want the ants to come get the bait and take it back to their nests. The other thing to do is see if you have any ants nests on the outside of your home and bait those, and or just spray the outside of your home with an ant spray.

Answer 3

Someone told me once, to put a line of baby powder down where they roam. It is supposed to irritate them, and they won't come back.

However, I think you should clean your kitchen really well, with a bleach based cleanser. Take everything out of your cupboards where you think the ants are coming in , put them somewhere else for a while.
If you happen to see little holes, fill them in with putty, or expanding foam.
Go to your local hardware store and buy a few ant traps, and a product called "Tarrow". you put it on little pieces of cardboard, and they take it home to die. Use them together. Obviously, keep you cupboards closed, keep little hands out.

If this doesn't work, you might just have to call a pro.

Answer 4

In the garden center you will find all kinds of ant repellents. Most are used on the outside, so the ants will not come in the house. currently we are using Tarro, liquid ant killer. I have not seen any in years, and we had a lot of those large carpenter ants marching in, in a row. 3 inches wide. Garlic will also stop them, but it needs to be replaced often, and one can use garlic on the inside to start and then outside to prevent them from coming in. You will be free of them soon, however you need to apply in the spring again and keep it up in order to stay free of the ants.

Answer 5

I lived in Florida for 10 years, we had every kind of ant you can think of. I used plain old grits for fire ants, cucumber peels for black ants, and regular white chalk around the door entries and window sills for carpenter ants. Carpenter ants usually have nest in the yard or a nearby tree and they are a termite's worst enemy, so don't get rid of them, just make them un-welcome. They will come in to forage for food...like sugar, food crumbs, and prey...like termites. Keep your food products in air tight containers or the refrigerator. Have your home inspected for termites. Move your refrigerator out and clean underneath.

Answer 6

Ants become a nuisance when they enter homes. Instead of spending money on costly pest control, you can get rid of ants by removing the food source and using soap water.
I found the information at http://www.pests.in useful

Answer 7

I heard that fabric softner sheets repell ants. Try laying them in the problem areas and see if this helps. I read that on the internet for home remedies a while ago.
No particular brand just fabric sheets you use in the dryer.

Good luck!

Answer 8

You need to get an exterminator out there. Some non-toxic things that ants hate are catnip and dishsoap. If you want to put a line out of those things, ants will not cross those things.

Answer 9

Believe it or not chalk is the ants biggest enemy. Ants simply will not walk across chalk so put it everywhere to keep them out. Draw chalk lines and/or circles around where they may be getting in...you'll be amazed!!

Answer 10

I've heard that Borax sprinkled on the trial they use will get rid of them but don't use it if children might ingest it, because it could be harmful to them.