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 cover Budleigh Salterton and the EX9 area. Many of our callers here would simply like the problem sorted quietly and without fuss, and that suits us. Describe what you see and we will arrange a visit when it suits you.
Tidy homes still get ants
Ants are not a sign of poor housekeeping in Budleigh Salterton or anywhere else. A neat garden with good flower beds, a patio and a sheltered wall is exactly what a colony wants, and countryside close to the town means nests are never far off. Once a few workers find a way in, a single crumb behind the toaster or a sweet drip on the shelf is enough to bring more.
Many homes here are older or have well-loved extensions, conservatories and utility rooms, each with its own joins and gaps. Ants walk straight along window sills, pipes and door frames. We often find they are coming in at one particular point, and fixing that one place can make a big difference to how often you see them in the kitchen or on the windowsill again.
Gentle, targeted and explained
We take time to talk first. Where did you see them, how many, what time of day? Then we follow the trail to the nest, indoors or out. A targeted treatment is put where the workers will carry it back, which avoids spraying around rooms and keeps disruption to a minimum, which is something that really matters in a home with pets, grandchildren or someone who is unwell.
Afterwards we tell you what to expect over the next few days, including the fact that you may see a few more ants for a short while as the nest is affected. We also point out any gaps, bins or food storage habits that could be improved, and we are honest if a second visit would help in Budleigh Salterton, rather than leave you hoping the ants have gone.
A little routine goes a long way
A short daily routine really does help: wipe surfaces, sweep up crumbs, keep sugar and honey in lidded tubs and rinse out jam jars. Outside, watch for small piles of fine soil along paving edges and the base of walls. If you spot them, let us know. Around Budleigh Salterton we also cover Exmouth, Sidmouth and Topsham, so we are not far away.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to see more ants for a few days after treatment?
Yes, that can happen. Workers carry the treatment back to the nest, and some come out of hiding as the colony is affected. Activity should settle over the following days. If it does not, tell us and we will come back.
I live in a bungalow with a conservatory. Where are the ants likely to be coming from?
Conservatories and extensions have joins and seals between old and new walls and floors, and ants find those easily. The nest is often under the patio or along the base wall outside. We will trace the trail to be sure, and then suggest what to seal.
Can you treat ants if I have a cat or dog in the house?
Yes. We place treatments carefully, tell you which areas to keep pets away from and for how long, and avoid spraying open areas of the floor or garden. Mention your pets when you contact us so we can plan around them and keep them safe.