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 work in terraces, estates, rented homes and commercial premises across the city, and we explain what we find in plain terms so you know what has been done and what to watch for.
Ants in terraces, estates and rentals
Plymouth has plenty of dense terraced streets, large estates and rental homes, and ants take advantage of all of them. In terraces, a nest in one yard or wall can send workers into several kitchens along the row. In newer estates, nests often sit under patios, block paving and the edges of lawns.
That is why we trace the trail rather than treat the room where you happened to see them. Ants lay scent paths between the nest and food, so following that path usually shows us the entry point, whether it is a gap round a pipe, a cracked threshold or a loose air brick.
Waterfront and commercial premises
With a working waterfront and plenty of shops, cafes and food businesses, Plymouth has many commercial kitchens and stores where ants can become a real problem. Sweet ingredients, drinks stock and waste areas all attract them, and staff often find trails first thing in the morning.
For businesses we look at the whole picture: where food is stored, how bins are handled and how ants are getting in. Our treatment is targeted and we aim to keep disruption low. We will also suggest simple hygiene changes that make a repeat visit less likely.
What you can do before we arrive
Try not to spray the trail yourself, as that can scatter the ants and make the nest harder to follow. Wipe surfaces, seal sugar, honey and pet food in containers, and note where you see them most often. A photo of the trail helps too. We cover Plymouth and PL1 to PL9, and we also cover Ivybridge and Dartmouth if you are further out.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there ants coming through my Plymouth kitchen wall?
Ants often nest in a wall cavity or beneath the outside paving and follow gaps to find food indoors. We trace the trail to the entry point, treat the nest where we can reach it and point out any gaps worth sealing.
Can you treat ants in a shared terraced house wall?
Yes. Nests can span neighbouring gardens, so we focus on the part we can access and explain what we find. If your neighbour has a nest too, a word with them can help stop ants returning to your side.
Do commercial kitchens in Plymouth need regular ant visits?
Not always. After a treatment we check whether ants return and advise on storage and cleaning. Some premises with sweet stock or bin areas near the building may benefit from a follow-up visit, and we will say so honestly.