Advice
Ants in the Kitchen: Causes and What Helps
Ants in the kitchen are usually following food and warmth, and a few careful habits can reduce them, though a persistent trail often needs professional treatment.
Read the guide →We trace the ants back to the nest, treat it in a targeted way and look at the building for gaps and food sources so the problem does not simply return.
Harbourside food businesses
In Brixham, where there is a busy harbour, there are food outlets, stores and bin areas, and these give ants plenty to feed on. A forgotten sugar spill behind a counter, or a bin lid left slightly open, can keep a trail going for weeks. Ants also use pipes, cables and wall edges to travel between rooms.
In a commercial setting we follow the trail, find the nest if it is accessible and treat carefully so food areas are protected. We then go through storage, cleaning and waste habits with you, because good housekeeping is as important as the treatment itself.
Steep terraces and holiday lets
Many Brixham homes are terraced and set into the hillside, with small yards, retaining walls and old stonework. Ants can nest in the soil behind walls or under steps and come indoors through gaps that are hard to spot. Holiday lets add another angle, because food is often left in cupboards between guests.
We look inside and out, checking door thresholds, windowsills and pipework. If the nest is beyond your boundary, we say so honestly and explain what can still be done to keep ants away from your own property.
Getting ahead of the next warm spell
Tidy up before summer. Seal sugar, honey, syrup and pet food, wash up promptly and tackle any gaps you notice around windows and pipes. If you let out a property, add a line to your guest notes about food storage. We cover Brixham and TQ5, and we also cover Paignton and Dartmouth, so call us if you are in either area.
Frequently asked questions
Can ants nest in old stone walls in Brixham?
Yes, ants will nest in soil-filled cavities, crumbling mortar and the ground beside walls. If we find a nest in a wall, we treat what we can reach and suggest repointing so the gaps do not give them an easy route.
Our cafe near the harbour keeps getting ants. What should we check?
Look at sweet stock, drinks spills, bin lids and any gaps near doors or pipes. We can inspect, treat the nest and point out the weak spots, then suggest cleaning routines that fit a busy kitchen.
Will you treat my holiday let between guests?
Usually yes, and that is often the easiest time. Tell us when the property is empty and we will plan the visit, explaining what needs to stay undisturbed after treatment.