6 Easy Home Cleaning Tips To Keep Ants Away

By  Stephanie Gerber
Cleaning white garbage can with sponge Ana-Maria Stanciu

In every home, there are common areas that are known to be ant attractors. Fortunately, there are easy ways to ​prevent​ the arrival of these unwanted houseguests. Give these six specific areas extra cleaning attention to help keep ants out of your home. (And, if ants have already made their way in, here are six ways to get rid of them, naturally.)

​1. Clean counters and floors.​

Wipe counters to keep crumb-free to avoid antsAna-Maria Stanciu

Don't store any food on your counters and wipe counters down regularly. Sweep floors often to remove any fallen crumbs.

​2. Check houseplants.​

Vacuum couch crumbs to avoid antsAna-Maria Stanciu

Houseplants can become the source for ant infestations so check your plants for unwanted critters. Remove any infested plants.

​3. Vacuum furniture.​

Vacuum couch crumbs to avoid antsAna-Maria Stanciu

It's amazing the collection of crumbs that can accumulate under cushions over time! Vacuum the couch and other furniture thoroughly.

​4. Clean pet food area.​

dog bowls on tile floorStephen Paul for Hunker

Keep the pet food area free of spills and fallen food. When your pet is done eating, pick up the food and clean the bowls.

​5. Take out the trash.​

Keep trash area clean to avoid antsAna-Maria Stanciu

Take out the garbage regularly, especially if it contains food waste. Wash out all of the garbage cans and clean any crumbs or spills from the trash can area.

​6. Clean cupboards.​

Clean crumbs from cabinets and drawers to avoid antsAna-Maria Stanciu

Take an afternoon to clean out kitchen drawers, cupboards, and your pantry to remove any unseen ant-attracting spills or crumbs.

Recommended