5 tips to keep small ants away from your kitchen traduzido por: OPENROUTER

The small ants in the kitchen often appear suddenly and, when least expected, are already crawling around the sink, cabinets, countertop and even inside food containers. Besides causing discomfort, they can contaminate surfaces and indicate that there are food scraps or excessive humidity in the projects. The problem is even more common during hot and rainy seasons, when these insects seek shelter and food sources inside the house.

(Magnific/Divulgação)

Despite being persistent, ants can be controlled with some simple changes in routine. The combination of frequent cleaning, organization and proper food sealing makes all the difference to avoid infestations. Check out below some practical strategies to keep the kitchen free of these unwanted visitors.

Keep the kitchen always clean

Home theater minimalista e cozinha grafite marcam projeto deste apê (Raul Fonseca/Divulgação)

Daily cleaning is one of the most efficient ways to avoid small ants in the kitchen. Even almost invisible crumbs can attract the insects, especially residues of sugar, ripe fruits, honey and greasy foods. Therefore, it is important to clean countertops, table, stove and sink after meals, avoiding the accumulation of dirt. Special attention should also be paid to less visible corners, such as behind the microwave, under the refrigerator and near the trash. Wiping with neutral detergent or a solution of water and vinegar helps eliminate trails left by ants, making it harder for others to find their way to the food.

Store food properly

(Freepik/Divulgação)

Leaving packages open or poorly sealed jars makes it much easier for ants to enter food. The ideal is to store items such as sugar, cookies, flours, grains and cereals in airtight containers, preferably made of glass or resistant plastic. Very ripe fruits should also be protected, especially bananas, mangoes and papayas, which tend to attract insects quickly. Another important tip is not to leave dirty dishes piled up overnight, since food scraps and sugary liquids work as real invitations for the ants.

Avoid excess moisture in the sink and cabinets

(Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)

In addition to food, ants also look for humid places to survive. Small leaks in faucets, siphons and pipes can contribute to the appearance of these insects in the kitchen. Therefore, it is worth checking if there is water accumulated near the sink, behind furniture or inside cabinets. Stuffy and humid projects favor not only ants, but also mold and other household insects. Keeping the space ventilated, drying wet surfaces and checking for leaks regularly helps reduce the ideal conditions for proliferation.

Use natural solutions to keep ants away

(Freepik/Divulgação)

Some natural ingredients help keep ants away without the need for strong chemical products. White vinegar, for example, can be used to clean surfaces because it neutralizes the scent trails left by the insects. Cloves, cinnamon and lemon peels also tend to work as natural repellents when placed near windows, cracks and cabinets. Another popular alternative is to mix water and detergent in a spray bottle to apply directly on the ants' paths. These solutions can help with initial control and are practical for everyday use.

Seal gaps and take care of household waste

Pequenos detalhes, como vedar frestas em portas e janelas, podem melhorar significativamente o conforto acústico do ambiente. (Reprodução/Divulgação)

Many times, ants enter the kitchen through small cracks, gaps in windows or spaces near doors and pipes. Observing these points and performing proper sealing can significantly reduce the entry of insects. In addition, household waste deserves special attention. Full or uncovered trash bags quickly attract ants, especially when there are organic food scraps. The ideal is to take out the trash daily and clean the trash bin frequently to avoid accumulated odors and residues. Small precautions like these help keep the kitchen cleaner, more organized, and protected against infestations.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER