How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen: Spring Pest Problems in Des Moines

Wondering how to get rid of ants in the kitchen? You’re not alone. As temperatures rise in spring, ant activity spikes in Des Moines homes.

These pests invade kitchens searching for food, water, and shelter—turning small crumbs into a feast and tiny gaps into highways.

This guide will break down fast, effective ways to eliminate ants in your kitchen, explain why they keep coming back, and show you how to prevent them permanently.

Whether you’re looking for DIY solutions, store-bought treatments, or professional pest control options, you’ll find the best approach here.

Spring in Des Moines signals breeding season for ants, which means their colonies are expanding and more workers are out searching for food.

If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in ants in the kitchen, it’s likely because they’ve followed scent trails leading straight to an easy meal.

Ants become more active after winter dormancy, and kitchens provide everything they need: food, water, and shelter.

Even a few crumbs or a dripping faucet can attract entire colonies.

Ants aren’t just random intruders—they strategically follow chemical trails to reliable food sources. Here’s what’s drawing them in:

✔️ Food Crumbs & Leftovers: Even tiny crumbs can sustain a colony.

✔️ Standing Water & Moisture: Leaky pipes, wet sponges, and pet bowls provide hydration.

✔️ Entry Points in Your Home: Small cracks and gaps make it easy for ants to invade.

Different ant species require different treatment approaches. In Des Moines kitchens, the most common invaders include:

If you’re dealing with persistent ants, taking action early is key. Next, we’ll cover how to get rid of ants inside the house using the most effective DIY and professional solutions.

(“I need a quick fix—now!”)

Now that you know why ants are invading your kitchen, let’s get straight to how do you get rid of ants in the kitchen quickly and effectively.

If you spot ants in the kitchen, act fast with these quick remedies to disrupt their trail and prevent more from coming inside:

These quick fixes interrupt active ant trails, but they don’t eliminate the source. For long-term results, follow the step-by-step guide below.

(“I keep trying, but they come back!”)

✔ Look for cracks, gaps, or tiny holes around windows, doors, and baseboards.

✔ Seal openings with caulk or weather stripping to block access.

✔ If you notice ants coming from electrical outlets or vents, consider using pest barriers.

✔ Sweep floors and wipe counters daily to eliminate food particles.

✔ Dispose of trash regularly to prevent odors and pests, and make sure to wash dishes before the night to avoid attracting ants.

✔ Clean pet bowls and don’t leave pet food out for long periods.

✔ Borax & Sugar Bait (Most Effective DIY Solution)

Mix borax with sugar and water to make a slow-acting bait that worker ants can carry back to the colony.

✔ Diatomaceous Earth (DE) (Safe for Pets & Kids)

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards and entry points to dehydrate ants on contact.

✔ Best Store-Bought Ant Baits (Quick & Long-Lasting Results)

• Terro Liquid Baits are highly effective at killing entire colonies.
• Gel baits work well for hard-to-reach areas.

✔ If you’ve followed the steps above but ants keep returning, the colony may be nearby.

✔ Track ants to their outdoor nests—often found in soil, tree stumps, or cracks in pavement.

✔ Use boiling water, bait stations, or professional-grade ant killers to eliminate the source.

(“I’ve tried everything, and nothing works!”)

Sometimes, no matter how many DIY treatments you try, the ants just keep coming back. If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, it’s time to bring in the experts.

Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management offers professional ant control services in Des Moines and surrounding areas, ensuring your home stays ant-free for good.

While DIY methods can help with small-scale ant problems, a larger infestation often requires professional treatment. Here’s how to know when it’s time to call in the experts:

If any of these apply, it’s best to act fast before the infestation grows out of control.

When it comes to how to get rid of ants permanently, local expertise matters. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management is based in Des Moines, IA, giving us firsthand knowledge of common Iowa ant species and how to effectively remove them.

Don’t wait for the infestation to get worse. Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management is ready to help you reclaim your home from ants.

📞 Call  (515) 822-4348 to schedule an inspection.

💻 Learn more about our ant control services in Des Moines.

Stop wasting time on ineffective DIY treatments—get expert help and enjoy an ant-free home today!

If you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen, you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common homeowner concerns about these persistent pests.

Even if your kitchen looks spotless, ants can still return if:

✔️ Scent trails haven’t been removed. Ants leave behind pheromones that lead others to food sources. Wipe surfaces with white vinegar to erase these trails.

✔️ There are hidden food sources. Check under appliances, inside cabinets, and around trash cans for crumbs.

✔️ Ants have multiple entry points. Even tiny cracks in doors, windows, or walls allow ants to come inside. Sealing these gaps can stop them.

✔️ The colony is still active. If the queen is alive, worker ants will continue to invade your home. Ant baits work best to eliminate the entire colony.

If ants keep coming back despite your efforts, it may be time to call Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management for a professional solution.

Most ants are just a nuisance, but some species can cause serious problems:

🚨 Carpenter ants – These large ants tunnel through wood structures, potentially weakening floors, beams, and walls.

🚨 Odorous house ants – They don’t cause damage but can contaminate food with bacteria.

🚨 Pavement ants – While mostly an outdoor problem, they can nest under flooring if an infestation grows.

If you suspect carpenter ants or a large colony indoors, professional treatment is recommended.

Ant problems in Des Moines tend to peak in spring and summer, but infestations can happen year-round:

🌱 Spring: Colonies expand, and worker ants start foraging for food indoors.

☀️ Summer: Dry conditions drive ants inside looking for water.

🍂 Fall & Winter: Some species move indoors to escape the cold, especially in heated homes.

Since ants adapt to seasonal changes, year-round preventive pest control is the best way to keep them out.

Ants can sometimes be a sign of a bigger problem, such as:

🔍 Termites – If you see winged ants, they could actually be termites. Termites cause serious structural damage, so an inspection is essential.

🔍 Cockroaches – Like ants, cockroaches are drawn to food and moisture but pose a greater health risk.

🔍 Rodents – If food is disappearing quickly and you notice chew marks or droppings, mice or rats might be the culprit.

If you’re unsure which pest you’re dealing with, a professional assessment can help pinpoint the problem and provide the right treatment plan.

Gene Spaulding, Owner and Founder of Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, has been at the forefront of pest and wildlife control since 2008. With over 17 years of hands-on experience, Gene combines his expertise and passion to deliver effective and humane pest management solutions to homeowners and businesses across the Des Moines Metro area. Guided by the motto “Your Property, Our Priority,” Gene ensures that Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management remains a trusted partner for comprehensive pest and wildlife services.