Have you noticed a trail of ants marching across your kitchen worktops? You're not alone. Ant infestations in the kitchen are one of the most common pest problems in UK homes, particularly during the warmer months. At Country Pest Solutions, we deal with ant infestations across St Helens and the North West every year — and we know exactly what it takes to get rid of them for good.
Ants are attracted to food and moisture. Your kitchen offers both in abundance. Even the smallest crumbs, sticky residue on worktops, or a dripping tap can draw ants in from outside. Once a scout ant finds a food source, it lays a pheromone trail back to the nest — and the rest of the colony follows.
The most common species found in UK kitchens is the black garden ant (Lasius niger). These ants nest outside but forage indoors for food, particularly sweet substances. In warm weather, they can establish foraging trails very quickly.
While black garden ants are not directly dangerous to humans, they can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces. They walk across drains, soil, and other contaminated surfaces before marching across your worktops and into your food. In commercial kitchens, an ant infestation can be a serious hygiene issue and may result in a failed food hygiene inspection.
Keep surfaces clean and dry — Wipe down worktops after every use, clean up spills immediately, and store food in sealed containers. Remove the food source and you remove the incentive for ants to enter.
Seal entry points — Ants can enter through the tiniest gaps around pipework, window frames, and door thresholds. Sealing these with silicone or expanding foam can help prevent entry.
Use ant powder or gel baits — Over-the-counter ant baits can be effective for small infestations. Gel baits work by allowing worker ants to carry the bait back to the nest, killing the colony at source. However, these products need to be used correctly and may not be effective for larger or more established infestations.
Don't use spray insecticides near bait stations — Sprays can contaminate bait stations and prevent ants from taking the bait back to the nest.
If you've tried DIY methods and the ants keep coming back, or if the infestation is large and widespread, it's time to call a professional. At Country Pest Solutions, we can identify the species, locate the nest, and apply targeted treatments that eliminate the colony at source — not just the ants you can see.
We serve St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool, Wirral, and the wider North West. Contact us today for fast, effective ant control.
Available 7 days a week across St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool and the North West.