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Pest Control for your business
Ant Control for Commercial Premises
Ants might be small, but they can cause a lot of damage, especially in restaurants. From kitchens and dining areas to food storage and prep spaces, ants will go wherever they can find something to eat, drink, or carry back to their nest.
For restaurant owners and managers, staying ahead of ant problems is important not just for cleanliness but also for reputation, safety, and health compliance.
What attracts ants to restaurants?
Restaurants are full of everything kitchen ants are looking for: food, water, and shelter. Even with good cleaning routines, crumbs, grease, spills, and small bits of waste can build up in places that are hard to see or reach. Ants are experts at finding these small resources.
Garbage bins, soda machines, dishwashing stations, and even mop closets can become hot spots if moisture is present. They don’t need a large amount of food or water, just a steady supply. And once one ant finds something, it leaves a scent trail so the rest of the colony can follow.
The longer these trails are left undisturbed, the more ants you’ll see. That’s why early detection and quick action are key.
How ants gain entry to your restaurant
Ants are surprisingly good at getting indoors. Because of their small size, they can enter through tiny cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, or spaces around pipes and vents. They often come in from nearby landscaping, sidewalks, or trash areas outside the building.
Open doors or windows, even for a few minutes, can give them the opportunity they need. Deliveries or food shipments may also accidentally bring them in, especially if boxes have been stored in infested areas.
Once ants get inside and find a reliable food or water source, they may build nests nearby or return regularly from outdoor colonies. Read more in our article about the damage caused by ants and what you can do to protect your business.
Ants that may get into your restaurant
Not all ants behave the same. Some are drawn to sweets, while others prefer grease or protein. Understanding which type of ant in the kitchen you’re dealing with can help you solve the problem faster and more effectively.
Odorous house ants
Odorous house ants are common invaders. They’re small, brown or black, and often seen foraging in lines along baseboards, counters, or sinks. When crushed, they give off a rotten, coconut-like smell — hence the name.
These ants are especially attracted to sugary foods, soft drinks, and sweet spills. They often nest inside walls or under floors, and they can move their colonies quickly if disturbed. Because of this, they can be tough to control without help.
Pharaoh ants
Pharaoh ants are tiny and pale yellow, often mistaken for specks of dust at first glance. They’re known for infesting hospitals and commercial kitchens, including restaurants. They prefer warm, humid environments and are often found near water sources like sinks or drink machines.
What makes them a challenge is how they spread. When threatened, their colonies can split into multiple new nests, a process called budding. This means DIY treatments can make the infestation worse if not handled correctly.
Argentine ants
Argentine ants are medium-sized and dark brown. They’re very social and known for forming massive colonies with multiple queens. This makes them highly adaptable and difficult to remove once established.
You’ll likely spot Argentine ants near dishwashing areas, garbage bins, or outdoor patios. They’re attracted to sweet and greasy foods, and they often travel in long trails between their nests and food sources. If you disturb one part of their trail, they’ll quickly rebuild it somewhere else.
Pavement ants
Pavement ants are named for their habit of nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. You might spot small mounds of soil near cracks or expansion joints outside your restaurant.
These ants will travel indoors in search of food, especially in winter or after heavy rains. They’re not picky eaters—sweets, grease, and protein-based foods are all fair game. While they’re more common in back-of-house areas, they can also make their way into dining rooms and food prep zones.
How to keep ants from your restaurant
The best way to deal with ants is to prevent them from getting inside and from finding what they want if they do.
- Start by inspecting the outside of your restaurant. It’s important to seal cracks in walls and around doors or windows. Make sure weather stripping is in good shape and that exterior doors close tightly. Our proven exclusion methods and solutions can help to keep ants out for good. Keep outdoor garbage bins closed and away from entry points.
- Focus on sanitation inside. Wipe down counters, floors, and equipment often. Don’t let spills or crumbs sit, even in out-of-sight places like under appliances or shelves. Pay special attention to soda fountains, syrup stations, and areas where water tends to pool.
- Check food storage areas. Keep dry goods in sealed containers and rotate stock to prevent long-term buildup. If you store anything near the floor, raise it off the ground and check for signs of ants regularly.
But even with strong cleaning and prevention, ants can still find their way inside, especially if there’s an outdoor colony nearby or if you’re dealing with a species that nests inside walls.
Professional ant control for restaurants
At Presto-X, we understand the unique challenges restaurants face when it comes to ant infestations. Our ant control technicians can identify which species are present, locate nesting sites, and use targeted treatments. We also offer proactive solutions to help you stay ahead of future pest problems.
Dealing with ants in your restaurant? Don’t let them hurt your business or reputation.
Frequently asked questions
What attracts ants to restaurants?
Ants are drawn to food, moisture, and shelter—all of which are easy to find in restaurants. Crumbs, spills, sugary drinks, and grease are especially attractive. Even with regular cleaning, hard-to-reach areas can provide just enough to keep ants coming back or settling in.
Are ants in a restaurant a health risk?
Yes, ants can be a health risk. They often travel through unsanitary areas before reaching food prep spaces. This can spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces. In some cases, ants can also trigger health inspection issues and affect your restaurant’s food safety compliance.
Can ants damage restaurant equipment or property?
Some ants can cause damage by nesting inside walls, behind equipment, or near electrical outlets. Pharaoh ants, for example, may build nests in warm spaces like appliances. If not addressed, this can lead to wiring issues, sanitation problems, or structural concerns over time.
How quickly can an ant infestation grow in a restaurant?
Ant infestations can grow fast, especially in warm, food-rich environments like restaurants. Once a colony finds a food source, scout ants leave trails for others to follow. Some species have multiple queens, allowing them to expand rapidly and form new nests throughout your building.
Is professional pest control necessary for ants in restaurants?
Yes, professional pest control is the most effective way to manage ants in a restaurant. DIY methods often miss hidden nests or make certain infestations worse. Our highly trained technicians can identify the species, treat the root cause, and put prevention measures in place to keep ants out.