Let’s face it—few things ruin a good day faster than spotting a line of ants marching through your kitchen like they own the place. You wipe them away, feel victorious for five minutes, and then—bam—they’re back, bringing reinforcements. It’s annoying, it’s gross, and it’s confusing. Where do they come from? Why your house? And more importantly, how do you kill ants in your house for good?

The truth is, ants are smart, social, and surprisingly persistent. But with a little strategy, you can reclaim your space—and keep it that way.

Step-By-Step Guide to Killing Ants In Your House

1. Find Out Why The Ants Are There

Ants don’t show up without a reason. They’re after food, moisture, or a safe spot to build a nest. Even a single crumb or a slow drip under the sink can catch their attention.

Common attractants include:

• Crumbs or food residue on counters and floors

• Sticky spills from drinks or syrups

• Pet food left out overnight

• Leaky pipes or damp wood

Follow their trail carefully. Look near windows, baseboards, and under sinks. The goal is to find where they’re entering and what’s drawing them in.

2. Clean Up the Attraction

Before you start killing ants, remove what’s keeping them around. Wipe down surfaces with soap and water to eliminate the scent trails they use to navigate. Vacuum crumbs, empty trash bins regularly, and store food in sealed containers.

These simple habits go a long way:

• Wipe counters after every meal

• Rinse dishes instead of leaving them in the sink

• Keep sweet items in airtight jars

• Fix leaks and dry damp areas

A clean home doesn’t just look better—it’s your first defense against ants.

3. Use Ant Baits Wisely

Ant baits are one of the most effective long-term fixes. They work by attracting worker ants with a slow-acting formula. The workers bring it back to the colony, where it spreads and wipes out the entire nest.

Tips for bait placement:

• Set baits along visible trails or near entry points

• Avoid spraying or wiping near the bait

• Expect more ants for a few days—this means it’s working

• Leave the bait out until activity completely stops

It’s not an instant fix, but it’s thorough. Be patient, and let the bait do the hard work.

4. Remove Visible Ants

While bait handles the colony, deal with the ones in plain sight. A mix of soap and water is enough to kill them and erase their scent trail. Vinegar and water also work well and are safe to use around the kitchen.

Sprays may kill faster, but they only take care of the surface problem. Cleaning is more effective in the long run.

5. Seal Up Their Entry Points

Ants can squeeze through gaps smaller than a grain of rice. After cleaning and baiting, close off the spots they’re using to get inside. Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing lines.

For extra protection, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around baseboards or in wall gaps. It’s a natural barrier that dehydrates ants without using harsh chemicals.

6. Stay Consistent

Even after you’ve gotten rid of ants, staying proactive matters. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and inspection can prevent another invasion.

A quick weekly routine helps:

• Wipe down counters and appliances

• Sweep and vacuum baseboards

• Check for moisture near sinks or appliances

• Take out the trash daily

If you stay consistent, ants won’t find a reason to return.

7. When to Call for Backup

Sometimes, the problem runs deeper than it seems. If ants keep returning no matter what you try, the colony could be hiding in your walls, floors, or even outside near the foundation. Different species—like carpenter or odorous house ants—require different approaches.

That’s when it’s smart to call a professional. They can identify the type of ant and use targeted treatments that reach the nest. You’ll save time, frustration, and probably a few rolls of paper towels.

Ant Control in Sacramento County

Learning how to kill ants in your house isn’t about waging war—it’s about cutting off their supply chain and keeping things clean. Start with prevention, use bait smartly, and stay consistent. With the right mix of cleaning, sealing, and patience, you can enjoy your kitchen without any tiny trespassers.

And if you’re tired of battling ants while trying to cook dinner or watch TV, it’s okay to hand the reins to the pros.

At Black Sheep Pest Protection, we handle ant invasions with precision and care—no judgment if you’ve already tried every home remedy on the internet. Our experts use proven methods that eliminate the problem at the source and help keep your home pest-free long-term.

Call Black Sheep Pest Protection today at (916) 297-4329 or fill out our form for a free estimate! Because when it comes to ants, it’s time they learned who really runs the house.