How to Stop Ant Infestations in Kent Homes
Ants in your kitchen? Trails on your patio or near food bins? You’re not alone. Every spring and summer, homeowners across Ashford, Kingsnorth and surrounding Kent villages experience stubborn ant infestations.
In this guide, the experts at Pest-Mate Pest Control explain how to spot the signs of an infestation, why ants keep returning, and what you can do to keep them out — for good.
Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back?
Ants are attracted by:
- Sugary food spills
- Pet food or bins
- Cracks and entry points in walls or windows
- Warm, dry conditions indoors (especially during rain)
Most DIY treatments kill surface ants but leave the nest untouched — allowing the colony to rebuild.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
- Long trails of ants on worktops or floors
- Ants coming from skirting boards or electrical sockets
- Small piles of earth near doorways or paving cracks
- A winged ant swarm (often confused with termites)
How to Get Rid of Ants for Good
- Ant gel baits carried back to the nest by workers
- Residual insecticide sprays around entry points
- Nest tracking for carpenter ants or pharaoh ants
- Spraying only visible ants (kills workers but not queen)
- Using vinegar or lemon alone – may mask the trail, but not eliminate the source
👉 Pest-Mate offers fast, safe ant treatments across Ashford, Kennington, Willesborough and nearby.
How to Prevent Future Ant Infestations
- Wipe surfaces after meals
- Store food in sealed containers
- Keep pet bowls off the floor when not in use
- Seal gaps under doors and around window frames
- Clean under kitchen appliances regularly
FAQs
❓What type of ants are common in Kent?
Mainly black garden ants, but also pharaoh ants in heated buildings.
❓Can ants damage my home?
Not directly, but some species (like carpenter ants) can weaken wood. Others contaminate food.
❓Are ant bites harmful?
UK ants don’t typically bite, but some species can cause skin irritation.
Book Ant Control in Ashford with Pest-Mate
If ants are invading your home or garden, call Pest-Mate for professional, long-lasting results.
- 📍 Based near Kingsnorth – serving Ashford & surrounding villages