Home Remedies for Tiny Ants Invading the Kitchen Sink

Ants often launch summer campaigns against kitchen sinks. Besides being annoying, the ants can pose health concerns. You can repel them without resorting to pesticides. But you must stay on the defensive. If you're not vigilant, the ants will return--and possibly in greater numbers.

Finding the Source

Check for signs of leaks along the pipes leading to and from the kitchen and for smells coming from the drain. Leaks can allow food particles and sugary liquids to seep out, attracting the ants. Find out where the ants are coming from by following their trail. You may discover a small hole in a wall or floor. Look down in the basement and along the sides of the house.

Indoor Treatments

Using vinegar, wipe down the sink, counters, and anywhere else the ants travel. Besides removing food residue and smells, this will eliminate the chemical trail ants leave behind for their buddies to follow. If you discover where the ants enter the house, sprinkle the area with a mixture of baby powder and black paper. If they are entering through a vertical surface, wipe it with vinegar and blow a small amount of the baby powder/pepper mixture on the wet area.

Outdoor Treatments

Sprinkle boric acid into and around the hole through which the ants are entering the house. For added deterrent, add some of the baby powder and pepper mixture. To keep the ants from trying new invasion spots, sprinkle boric acid around the entire perimeter of the house. If you don't want to use boric acid, try cornstarch. Boric acid is a chemical that will kill the ants; the cornstarch will suffocate them.

References

• Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides

Resources

• The Frugal LIfe - Getting Rid of Ants