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 that trail to where the colony lives, treat it directly and talk you through what drew the ants in. Our aim is a calm, practical fix rather than a cloud of spray.
Family homes spreading inland
Paignton's houses run from older terraces near the centre to family homes spreading further inland, and many have gardens, patios and driveways. Those paved areas are favourite spots for black garden ants, which nest in the sandy ground beneath slabs and push up little heaps of soil along the edges.
When ants come indoors from a patio nest, they usually use the same gap time after time, such as a patio door threshold, a drain cover or a crack at the base of the wall. We look for these routes first, because treating the nest and closing the gap together gives the longest relief.
Seafront accommodation and takeaways
With a long seafront, holiday accommodation and a harbour, Paignton has plenty of places where food is prepared and sweet things are left out. Ants will happily move into a cafe storeroom, a guest kitchen or a bin area close to a building if it offers an easy meal.
For owners and managers we keep the visit discreet and explain what we find. We check where food is stored and where waste sits, and we suggest sensible changes, like tighter lids and regular wiping of sticky surfaces, so trails are less likely to build again.
What to expect on the day
We start by asking where and when you see the ants, then inspect inside and outside the building. After treatment we explain what to leave alone for a while, as wiping away the trail too soon can undo the work. Colonies can take a little time to fade, so a few stragglers are normal. We cover Paignton and TQ3 and TQ4, and we also cover Brixham and Torquay.
Frequently asked questions
How long until the ants stop after a treatment in Paignton?
You may still see some ants for a few days as the treatment works through the colony. If they are still active after a couple of weeks, let us know and we will look again. We never promise a result on day one.
Why are there piles of soil on my patio?
Small heaps of fine soil between paving slabs are usually from ants digging a nest underneath. It is common in sandy or well-drained ground. We can treat the nest and advise whether the slabs should be re-bedded.
Do I need to remove food before you treat?
Clearing worktops and putting food away in sealed containers or cupboards is a good idea. We will tell you exactly what to move when we arrange the visit, and what is fine to leave where it is.