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Ants in the Kitchen? Here’s What’s Really Attracting Them

Written by Savanna Fiegl | 6/25/25 4:02 PM

You’re standing at the sink, rinsing your coffee mug, when you see it—one tiny ant scurrying across the counter. Then another. And another. Suddenly, it feels like your kitchen’s been taken over by a full-scale invasion.

So what’s really attracting ants into your kitchen?

Believe it or not, these tiny intruders aren’t just here to annoy you. They’re on a mission—and your kitchen has everything they’re looking for.

What Kind of Ants Are Invading Your Kitchen?

Before you reach for the spray, it helps to know who you’re dealing with. Different ant species are attracted to different things, and each has its own habits:

Sugar Ants

This is a common nickname for a few different ant species that are drawn to sweet foods. These tiny brown or black ants often show up in long trails heading toward your sugar bowl, honey jar, or juice spill.

Odorous House Ants

They get their name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell they release when crushed. These ants love sugary and greasy foods, and they’re notorious for nesting indoors—especially near moisture.

Pavement Ants

Usually found outdoors, pavement ants can still make their way inside, especially through cracks in your foundation. They’ll eat just about anything, from crumbs to pet food, and tend to build nests under floors or inside walls.

Argentine Ants

Small and fast-moving, Argentine ants are relentless invaders. They form large colonies and are drawn to both sweets and proteins. Once they find a food source in your kitchen, they’ll keep coming back in full force.

What Can Be Attracting Them?

1. Crumbs and Spills (aka the Ant Buffet)

Ants have an incredible sense of smell, and even the tiniest crumb can signal a five-star feast. Bread crusts under the toaster? Sticky spots on the counter? A few drops of spilled juice on the floor? Ants are all over it.

Solution:
Wipe down surfaces regularly, sweep often, and be mindful of food storage. Even a splash of syrup can bring in a whole colony.

2. Pet Food and Water Bowls

You might not think twice about leaving your pet’s food out, but ants sure do. They see kibble as an easy meal and love to congregate around pet bowls—especially if there’s a little moisture nearby.

Solution:
Feed pets at specific times and clean bowls after meals. Consider placing bowls in a shallow dish of soapy water to keep ants away.

3. Leaky Faucets and Damp Areas

Ants need water just like we do. A leaky sink, damp sponge, or condensation around the fridge can create a mini-oasis for thirsty ants.

Solution:
Fix leaks, wring out sponges, and avoid leaving damp towels or rags in the kitchen.

4. Easy Entry Points

Even the cleanest kitchen can have ants if they find a way in. Cracks in the walls, gaps around windows, or holes near baseboards are perfect entryways. You can check out more ways they can enter the home here.

Solution:
Seal up entry points with caulk, weather stripping, or foam sealant. You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes. 

5. Unsealed Pantry Items

Flour, sugar, cereal, snacks—if it’s not in an airtight container, it’s fair game. Ants can chew through cardboard or slip into loosely closed bags with ease.

Solution:
Use sealed plastic, glass, or metal containers to store dry goods. It keeps ants out and your food fresh.

How Top Turf Can Help

While home remedies and better cleaning habits can reduce ant activity, once they’ve found a way in, ants can be persistent. At Top Turf, we offer professional pest control services that target the nooks and crannies where they hide—so you can stop the problem at its source.

Don’t let ants turn your kitchen into their next big adventure. Let us help you take back your space.

Schedule your Home Pest Control treatment today and say goodbye to kitchen invaders—for good!