How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen (Without Making It Worse)
It starts with one. You spot a tiny ant on the kitchen counter and swipe it away, thinking it’s no big deal. The next morning, there’s a trail of them. By the weekend, they’ve taken over the pantry—and now you’re asking yourself the question so many Andover homeowners face every spring:
"How do I get rid of ants in the kitchen… without making it worse?"
We get it. You keep a clean home. You vacuum. You wipe down the counters. So where are they coming from—and why do they seem impossible to get rid of?
Why Ants Love Kitchens (Even Clean Ones)
Ants are sneaky, as they are nocturnal. All it takes is a crumb under the toaster or a few drops of juice near the trash can. Kitchens give them everything they’re looking for: food, water, and shelter.
In Massachusetts homes—especially in The Andovers, MA (01810 & 01845) and nearby towns throughout Essex County—including, Boxford,Reading, North Reading, Wilmington,Chelmsford, Billerica, Tewksbury, Middleton, Methuen, Haverhill, Lowel, Georgetown, and other communities within a 20-mile radius—we see this all the time. Ants start small, but they multiply fast.
The Mistake Most People Make
The first instinct is usually to grab a spray. But here’s what most people don’t realize: spraying only kills the ants you see. The colony? It’s still thriving behind the scenes.
Worse, some sprays make the ants panic and split the colony—spreading the problem instead of solving it. It’s a common issue we see when someone tries DIY fixes before calling an expert.
What Actually Works
Here’s what we recommend to families who want a long-term solution:
Track the trail – Follow it to find where they’re coming in.
Clean thoroughly – Use vinegar, 409 or soapy water to wipe down surfaces and remove scent trails.
Seal up the entry points – Look for gaps around windows, pipes, and baseboards.
Ask Andover Pest Control for recommendations and sealing cracks
Use ant bait—not sprays – Bait allows ants to bring the treatment back to the colony and wipe it out at the source.
If you’ve done all this and still see ants, it’s time to call Andover Pest Control ASAP, who knows how to stop the problem at the root.
At Andover Pest Control, we specialize in safe, effective pest control solutions that fit the needs of local families. We use bait systems and barrier treatments that are kid- and pet-conscious, and we serve homes across Essex County, including Andover, North Andover, Haverhill, Methuen, Boxford, and surrounding towns.
We don’t just eliminate the ants—you’ll also get guidance on how to keep them from coming back.
You don’t have to share your home with pests, and you don’t have to guess your way through it either.
📞 Reach out to Andover Pest Control today for professional, local service you can trust.