How to Get Rid of Ants in Kitchen Cabinets Safely

Understanding Why to Get rid of Ants in Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is a goldmine for ants—crumbs, moisture, and food odors attract them like a magnet. To get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets, you need to start by understanding why they’re there in the first place.

Most ants are in search of carbohydrates or grease. If your cabinets contain unsealed snacks, syrup bottles, or spilled sugar, ants will find them quickly. Even tiny food particles are enough to sustain a colony.

This Old House says, “These tiny pests contaminate food, trail across countertops, and can be difficult to eliminate once they establish scent trails leading back to their colony.”

Once they find a food source, ants leave behind a scent trail to guide the rest of the colony to it. This makes it harder to get rid of ants in kitchen spaces unless the trail is disrupted and the source removed.

Understanding the “why” behind their presence helps you craft a smarter, more effective plan to eliminate them safely and completely.

Identify the Type of Ant

Not all ants are the same. Before you can get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets, it’s helpful to identify which species you’re dealing with. Different types of ants require slightly different approaches.

Sugar ants are common in kitchens, as are Argentine ants and odorous house ants. Carpenter ants may also be present, especially if there’s moisture damage inside the cabinetry.

Each species behaves differently. Knowing their habits helps target your treatment more effectively. For example, bait that works for sugar ants may not affect grease-loving ants.

If you're serious about learning how to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets safely, start by understanding the enemy. A quick online search or consultation with a pest pro can help you ID them accurately.

Clear Out and Clean the Cabinets

Before applying any treatments, the first step to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets is a thorough cleaning. Remove all food, dishes, and items from the affected cabinets.

Wipe down the interior with warm soapy water, then follow up with a vinegar solution or disinfectant. This eliminates food residue and removes the scent trails ants rely on to navigate.

Pay close attention to corners, shelf joints, and any crevices—these spots often hide crumbs and spill residue that you might miss during a normal cleaning routine.

Cleaning removes the bait that’s attracting them in the first place, which is essential to get rid of ants in kitchen environments long-term.

Real Homes shares some additional tips for getting rid of ants in kitchen areas. 

Store Food in Airtight Containers

Once your cabinets are clean, it’s time to prevent the ants from coming back. One of the best ways to get rid of ants in kitchen spaces is to store all pantry items in airtight containers.

Transfer cereals, flour, sugar, and snacks from their original packaging to sealed glass or plastic containers. Ants can chew through cardboard and find their way into plastic bags with ease.

This doesn’t just apply to open items—store backup products in sealed bins to block scents. Even unopened packages can leak food aromas that attract ants.

Airtight storage is a major deterrent and a cornerstone in how to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets for good.

Use Natural Repellents First

To keep your kitchen safe for food prep, opt for natural repellents as your first line of defense. You can get rid of ants in kitchen areas without relying on harsh chemicals.

White vinegar, lemon juice, and peppermint oil are natural deterrents. Spray these along the back wall, corners, and base of cabinets.

Ants hate the smell of these ingredients, and they disrupt their chemical trails. Reapply daily for the first week and weekly after that.

This natural approach is safe around food and children, making it ideal if you're trying to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets without synthetic insecticides.

Set Out Bait Stations Strategically

Ant bait stations are one of the most effective tools for long-term control. To get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets, place bait stations where you’ve seen activity—along the cabinet base, behind canisters, and near hinges.

Baits attract worker ants, who carry poisoned food back to the colony. This eliminates the problem at the source. Choose sugar-based or protein-based bait depending on the ant species.

Make sure children and pets can’t access the bait. Many commercial products come in sealed, tamper-resistant stations that are safe for kitchen use.

With regular monitoring, baiting can help you not only get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets—but also prevent new colonies from forming.

Seal Gaps and Entry Points

If ants keep coming back, there’s likely a structural issue allowing them in. To get rid of ants in kitchen spaces, you need to identify and seal their points of entry.

Check where cabinet backs meet the wall, around plumbing, and near baseboards. Use caulk or food-safe sealant to close gaps and cracks.

Also inspect electrical outlets and under-sink access holes. These are common but overlooked entryways for small insects.

Sealing is a simple but powerful tactic when you're learning how to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets permanently.

Take Out the Trash Regularly

One of the most overlooked strategies to get rid of ants in kitchen areas is regular waste management. Even if the trash can is across the room, ants will travel to it and then wander into cabinets.

Take out the trash daily during an ant infestation. Clean the inside and outside of your trash bin to remove sticky residue and lingering odors.

If you use a compost bin in the kitchen, empty it frequently and rinse it with vinegar weekly.

Controlling food waste is essential to fully get rid of ants in kitchen spaces—not just in the cabinets, but throughout the whole room.

Keep Sinks and Dish Areas Dry

Moisture is a big attractant for ants. If you want to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets, you also need to manage water sources like sinks and dish drying racks.

Dry the sink basin after use and fix any leaky faucets or pipes. Empty the dish rack tray and store wet sponges in a ventilated area.

Ants often build trails near plumbing, so under-sink cabinets are a hotspot. Use moisture absorbers or install vent fans if humidity is a problem.

This step is especially important for eliminating carpenter ants or other species that are drawn to water as much as food.

Use Essential Oils for Ongoing Repellency

Essential oils do more than smell good—they also help get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets by acting as natural repellents. Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, and tea tree oil are especially effective.

Mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to cabinet edges, door frames, and along the floor line. You can also soak cotton balls and place them inside drawers or in the corners of cabinets.

The scent disrupts ant pheromone trails and makes the area less inviting for future infestations. Reapply the spray every few days for best results.

Using essential oils is one of the easiest, safest ways to get rid of ants in kitchen spaces, especially for homes with pets or children.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals in Food Zones

While it may be tempting to blast ants with pesticide sprays, this isn't always the best way to get rid of ants in kitchen areas—especially near food. Many store-bought sprays contain toxic ingredients not meant for use around dishes or food storage.

Instead, reserve chemical treatments for baseboards, under appliances, or outdoor entry points. For inside cabinets, stick to natural solutions or enclosed bait traps.

Always read the label, and never spray directly on food surfaces or inside cabinets where food is stored.

Being mindful of chemical use ensures that you not only get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets but also maintain a safe and healthy cooking environment.

Keep a Maintenance Schedule

Pest control isn’t a one-time job—it’s an ongoing habit. To get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets long-term, you need to build a routine that includes cleaning, inspecting, and reapplying repellents or bait.

Make it a habit to wipe down shelves weekly, check for crumbs, and restock ant bait as needed. Add cabinet inspections to your seasonal deep-cleaning schedule.

Consistency is the key to breaking the ant cycle. One slip-up, like a forgotten cracker box or sticky jam jar, can attract a whole new trail.

With regular attention, you’ll not only get rid of ants in kitchen spaces—you’ll stop them from coming back.

Know When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried multiple strategies and still see ants, it may be time to bring in a professional. A pest control expert can help you get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets when DIY tactics fall short.

Professionals can identify hidden nests, apply targeted treatments, and give advice on long-term prevention. They’ll also confirm whether you’re dealing with ants or another insect entirely.

Look for eco-conscious pest control services if you’re worried about chemical exposure in your kitchen. Many now offer organic and food-safe solutions.

Sometimes the fastest way to get rid of ants in kitchen areas safely is to invest in expert help.

A Safer, Cleaner, Ant-Free Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets should store food—not feed ants. By following the strategies outlined here, you can confidently get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets without compromising safety or cleanliness.

From natural repellents and airtight storage to bait traps and structural sealing, each method works best when used together. It’s about creating a clean, dry, unwelcoming space for ants—and maintaining it.

Stay consistent, monitor your progress, and adjust your approach as needed. Prevention is just as important as elimination.

With patience and a little effort, you’ll get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets safely—and enjoy a pest-free kitchen for good.

Stop Ants in Their Tracks with Liquid Death Solutions

Tired of seeing ants in your kitchen day after day? Don’t let them take over your food storage and prep space. 

Liquid Death Solutions offers powerful, family-safe pest control kits that target ant infestations at the source.

Whether you're dealing with a few invaders or a full-blown colony, our DIY treatments make it easy to get rid of ants in kitchen cabinets—safely and effectively. 

Visit Liquid Death Solutions today and defend your kitchen with confidence.