Kitchen Ants Are a Common Sydney Problem
The kitchen is the most common room in Sydney homes to encounter ant activity. It provides everything ants need — food, water and warmth. Understanding why ants are drawn to your kitchen and using the right treatment methods can eliminate them quickly and keep them out long term.
Why Ants Target the Kitchen
- Food sources: Even small amounts of residue on benchtops, in pantry shelves, around the stovetop or under appliances attract foraging ants
- Water: Moisture under the sink, condensation around the dishwasher, and dripping taps provide the water ants need
- Warmth: The heat from appliances like the fridge, oven and dishwasher creates warm microclimates that ants find attractive
- Access: Kitchens typically have more plumbing and utility penetrations than other rooms, giving ants more entry points
Step 1: Remove Attractants
Before any treatment, eliminate the food and water sources drawing ants in:
- Store all food — including fruit — in sealed containers or the fridge
- Clean behind and underneath the fridge, oven and dishwasher (crumbs and grease accumulate in these areas)
- Wipe down pantry shelves and check for spills in containers
- Fix dripping taps under the sink
- Empty the kitchen bin daily and clean it regularly
- Clean pet food bowls and don’t leave them out overnight
Step 2: Use Ant Bait (Not Spray)
In a kitchen environment, ant bait gel is the most effective and safest treatment approach. Unlike sprays, gel baits:
- Do not contaminate food preparation surfaces
- Target the colony rather than just individual ants
- Are applied in tiny amounts in out-of-reach locations (inside hinges, behind kickboards, under the sink)
Important: Do not clean or spray near bait placements — this kills the active ingredient and prevents it from reaching the colony. You may see increased ant activity around baits in the first few days — this is normal and a sign the treatment is working.
Step 3: Block Entry Points
Once treatment is underway, identify and seal the entry points ants are using:
- Gaps around pipe penetrations under the sink
- Cracks in the splashback or wall behind the stove
- Gaps where the kickboard meets the floor
- Cracks in window sills above the sink
What Not to Do
- Don’t spray the ants you see: Repellent sprays scatter the trail and don’t affect the colony. They can cause colony splitting
- Don’t use vinegar or essential oils as treatment: These may temporarily disrupt scent trails but have no residual effect and won’t eliminate the colony
- Don’t place bait and spray at the same time: The spray will repel ants away from the bait
When to Call a Professional
If ant activity continues after 4 weeks of bait treatment, or if ants are coming from inside walls or under concrete (indicating a concealed nest), professional treatment is needed. Pest controllers can locate the nest, apply commercial-grade baits and provide a treatment warranty.
Pestyologist provides targeted kitchen ant treatments across Sydney. Book today.