If you’re seeing tiny ants swarming your kitchen counters, sinks, or pantry shelves, you’re likely dealing with sugar ants — a common nickname for small, sweet-loving species like odorous house ants and pavement ants.
The good news is that you can get rid of sugar ants quickly using professional-grade DIY products that target the entire colony, not just the ants you see.
This guide will show you exactly how to eliminate sugar ants and keep them from coming back — using safe, effective methods trusted by pest professionals.
Why Sugar Ants Invade Your Home
Sugar ants are drawn to one thing — sugar and moisture. They’re especially active in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere they can find food or water.
Once they locate a sweet source (like syrup, fruit juice, or crumbs), they leave a pheromone trail that leads hundreds of others right back to it.
Common entry points include:
- Gaps under exterior doors or worn weather stripping
- Cracks along window frames and baseboards
- Unsealed plumbing penetrations
- Foundation gaps and siding seams
Step 1: Sanitize and Remove Food Sources
Before applying any treatments, start by cleaning up the attractants that keep sugar ants coming back.
Cleaning checklist:
- Wipe countertops with disinfectant to remove food residue and trails.
- Sweep and vacuum floors daily.
- Store sweets, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers.
- Rinse out recyclables (especially soda cans and bottles).
- Keep trash sealed and empty it regularly.
When the food supply disappears, the ants become much more eager to feed on bait.
Step 2: Apply Ant Gel Baits Indoors
Sugar ants are highly attracted to sweet-based gel baits. These slow-acting baits let worker ants carry the poison back to the nest, wiping out the entire colony, including the queen.
Recommended Products:
- Advion Ant Gel – professional-grade gel bait that works exceptionally well for sugar-feeding species.
- Terro Ant Liquid Bait Killer – pre-filled bait stations that are easy to place in kitchens, bathrooms, and along counter edges.
How to apply:
- Place pea-sized drops or bait stations along ant trails, behind appliances, and near sinks or windows.
- Replace baits as needed every few weeks until activity disappears.
- Avoid cleaning the exact trail area right after baiting — ants must feel comfortable returning to it.
Within 24–72 hours, you should notice a significant reduction in visible ants.
Step 3: Use a Non-Repellent Spray Indoors
After applying get baits you can then apply a non-repellent spray to eliminate hidden colonies nesting behind walls or under cabinets.
Non-repellent sprays are undetectable to ants, allowing them to walk through treated areas and transfer the active ingredient to others in the nest.
Recommended Products:
- Alpine WSG – one of the best non-repellent concentrates for indoor applications; dries invisible and odorless.
- Temprid FX – provides dual active ingredients for superior control against ants, roaches, and other common pests.
How to apply:
- Mix according to label directions and spray around baseboards, window sills, plumbing entry points, and cracks where ants may travel.
- These sprays dry quickly and remain active for weeks — ants won’t detect or avoid them.
Step 4: Add an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
For long-term control, combine your spray with an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) to stop ants from reproducing.
IGRs target larvae and disrupt the queen’s ability to produce new workers.
Recommended Products:
- Tekko Pro IGR Concentrate – can be mixed directly with Alpine WSG or Temprid FX in your sprayer for a one-step treatment.
- Gentrol Aerosol – great for applying into tight cracks, behind appliances, and under sinks.
Pro Tip:
You can mix Tekko Pro IGR with your non-repellent spray (like Alpine WSG or Temprid FX) for a single application that kills active ants and prevents colony regrowth.
Step 5: Treat the Exterior Perimeter
Once the interior infestation is under control, it’s time to defend your home from re-entry.
Apply a residual barrier treatment around the foundation to stop new ants from coming inside.
Recommended Product:
- Bifenthrin – a reliable perimeter treatment for outdoor use, forming a protective barrier against ants and other pests.
How to apply:
- Spray 2–3 feet up the foundation wall and 2–3 feet out into the soil or mulch.
- Focus on door thresholds, window frames, and any known entry points.
- Reapply every 60–90 days for ongoing protection.
Step 6: Seal and Prevent Future Infestations
Once sugar ants are gone, take steps to ensure they don’t return.
Prevention checklist:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and utility entry points with caulk.
- Replace damaged screens and weather stripping.
- Fix leaky faucets and eliminate excess moisture.
- Keep sweets and syrups sealed tightly.
- Maintain regular exterior perimeter treatments.
Professional Tip: Combine Treatments for Maximum Results
To permanently eliminate sugar ants:
- Bait indoors using Advion or Terro.
- Spray indoors with Alpine WSG or Temprid FX (mixed with Tekko Pro IGR).
- Spray outdoors with Bifenthrin to form a lasting barrier.
This integrated approach mimics professional pest-control methods and provides both immediate and long-term results.
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Learn how to eliminate ants, roaches, spiders, fleas, and more using professional-grade products safely at home.