As summer approaches, one of Britain's most unwelcome pests begins to infiltrate households across the country. Ants typically appear first in the kitchen, and once established, they can be difficult to remove.
Simple 5-Minute Habit to Prevent Ants
Glen Peskett, a DIY expert and company director at Saxton Blades, explains that a simple nightly routine can prevent ants from returning, requiring just five minutes of your time.
"This is the time of year when ants really pick up. As soon as it gets warmer, they're out looking for food and water a lot more, and kitchens are one of the easiest places for them to find it," Peskett said.
He added: "The sink area is a bit of a hotspot because it's damp and there's often tiny bits of residue there, even if it looks clean."
At the end of the day, many homes leave the kitchen sink littered with damp cloths, puddles of water, or even food scraps. All of these act as magnets for ants.
How to Perform the Kitchen Reset
Peskett recommends setting aside five minutes before bed for a kitchen reset. This involves:
- Emptying and drying the sink
- Washing and storing away all dishes
- Running hot water down the plughole
- Wiping down taps and surrounding surfaces to ensure everything is clean and dry
"If you leave standing water, damp cloths, or bits of food around the sink, you're basically giving them everything they need. If you spend a minute before bed drying it down and clearing it away, you're just taking away what they're looking for," he explained.
"If they find a steady source of water and food traces, they will keep returning. Once that pattern starts, it is much harder to stop."
Dealing with Existing Infestations
If you already face a full-blown infestation, more heavy-duty measures will be required. However, by adopting this simple daily habit, you can prevent a colony from ever gaining a foothold in your home.
