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 find where the ants live, treat that spot, and then look at the ways they are getting in.
Newer estates and patios
Many Cullompton homes have patios, block-paved drives and small lawns right against the walls. The sand and soil beneath paving is exactly what black garden ants want, and a nest there can send workers through the smallest gap at a door threshold or air brick.
Newer homes are not immune. Gaps where services enter, or between a patio and the wall, are easy for ants. We look at how the building meets the ground and treat the nest accordingly, instead of simply killing the ants that happen to be walking past.
Older streets, shops and food premises
The older part of Cullompton has a mix of homes, shops and eating places, many with long-standing gaps in walls and floors. Ants can come into a shop kitchen or a storeroom from the street, from a neighbouring unit or from a nest under a yard.
For commercial premises we look at food storage, waste and cleaning routines as well as the nest itself, and we keep notes simple so staff know what to do. As Cullompton is close to the M5 and farmland, deliveries and open ground can bring ants in from outside, so entry points matter.
What happens when you call us in Cullompton
We ask where you see ants, check the trails and look outside for the nest. Treatment is targeted at the nest and routes, and we seal what we can. We also cover Crediton and Whimple, so EX15 addresses on either side of town are fine. Most of the advice we give is simple: keep sweet and pet food sealed, wipe surfaces and keep gaps filled.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there ants coming up between my patio slabs in Cullompton?
Dry sandy ground under paving is ideal for a garden ant nest. The ants come up through the joints, and from there it is a short walk to the house. A targeted treatment at the nest is usually needed, as sweeping the ants away does not remove the colony.
Do ants spread germs in a kitchen?
They can pick up germs as they travel and walk across food or surfaces, so it makes sense to keep food covered and wipe down worktops while you have them. Most house ants are more of a nuisance than a danger.
Can you treat ants for a landlord with several properties?
Yes. We can look at each address, note where the nests and entry points are and report back plainly. If the cause is shared ground or a shared wall, we will say so, so repairs and treatments can be coordinated.