How Do I Get Rid of Pesky Sugar Ants in My Kitchen?

How Do I Get Rid of Pesky Sugar Ants in My Kitchen?

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Last Updated: August 23, 2025

Quick Answer: Wipe up food and spills immediately, seal entry points, and use effective bait traps. Sugar ants are attracted to sweets, so cutting off their food supply is half the battle.

Explanation chart of how to get rid of sugar ants

Few things are more annoying than opening your kitchen cabinet or counter and seeing a trail of sugar ants marching along. These tiny invaders are persistent, but you can win the battle without turning your kitchen into a science experiment.

1. Cut Off Their Food Supply

Clean up crumbs and spills right away. Store sugar, cereal, and snacks in airtight containers. Wipe down counters daily with vinegar or soapy water to erase the invisible trails ants use to navigate.

2. Block Their Entry Points

Follow the trail back to where they enter—often cracks near windows, doors, or baseboards. Seal those gaps with caulk. This step won’t stop ants already inside, but it keeps new ones out.

3. Use Ant Bait, Not Just Spray

Spraying only kills the ants you see. Baits let ants carry poison back to the colony, which solves the root problem. Place bait stations where you see activity but away from kids and pets.

🚫 Products That Work on Sugar Ants

4. Keep It Up

Even after the ants are gone, keep wiping down counters and sealing food. Sugar ants will come back if they find even a little treat waiting for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do sugar ants keep coming back?
A: They leave a scent trail. If you don’t clean with vinegar or soap, more ants will follow it.

Q: How long until bait traps work?
A: Usually 2–3 days to notice fewer ants, up to a week to wipe out the colony.

Q: Are sugar ants dangerous?
A: Not really—they don’t bite or carry disease like other pests. They’re just a nuisance that signals food is accessible.

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