​Ants in your kitchen? You’re not the only one. Every summer, homes across Phoenix and Tucson see an uptick in ant activity, especially in kitchens. And it’s not by accident.

At Northwest Exterminating, we’ve been helping Arizona homeowners get rid of ants for over 30 years. If you’ve got ants in your kitchen, there’s a reason they’re there, and we’re here to help you figure it out.

What This Blog Covers:

  • Common ant species in our region
  • Why ants love kitchens
  • What attracts them to your home
  • What you can do to prevent them
  • When to call for professional help

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​Common Ant Species in Arizona

Before we discuss what attracts ants to kitchens, let’s identify the species most likely to show up indoors.

Not all ants behave the same way. Here are some of the most common species we see in homes across Phoenix and Tucson:

  • Odorous House Ants
    They are small, fast, and sugar-obsessed. When crushed, odorous house ants give off a strong smell (like rotten coconut).
  • Argentine Ants
    Aggressive foragers that form large colonies, Argentine ants are difficult to control without professional help.
  • Pharaoh Ants
    Prefer warm, humid spots indoors. Pharaoh ants can spread bacteria and pathogens.
  • Rover Ants
    Tiny ants often found near sinks, showers, or pet bowls. Rover ants love moisture and sweet liquids, and while they don’t sting, they can be persistent and hard to track back to the nest.
  • Fire Ants
    While mostly outdoor pests, fire ants may venture inside during storms and may nest near electrical equipment. They sting when disturbed.

Why Ants Love Arizona Kitchens

Kitchens provide ants with everything they need to survive: food, water, and shelter.

In Arizona, ants are even more likely to enter because of our extreme weather. Hot, dry conditions push ants indoors for moisture, while monsoon storms can flood their nests and send them running for higher ground. Once they find what they need inside your kitchen, they leave a pheromone trail to invite the rest of the colony.

Top Things That Attract Ants to Your Kitchen

You might not realize how many everyday things invite ants. Here are some of the biggest offenders:

  • Crumbs: Even a few food bits on the counter or in the sink can draw a crowd.
  • Spills: Sweet liquids and sticky spots are especially attractive.
  • Unsealed Food: Bags, boxes, and open containers = buffet.
  • Standing Water: Water bowls, sinks, and wet spots give ants what they need to survive.
  • Moisture: Humidity, leaky pipes, wet sponges—all are appealing.
  • Garbage & Recycling: Dirty bins or overflowing trash are major ant magnets.
  • Grease Residue: It’s not just sugar. Ants also go after fats and proteins.

How to Make Your Kitchen Less Inviting to Ants

The best way to stop ants is to remove what they want. Here’s how you can make your kitchen less appealing:

Clean Thoroughly & Often

  • Wipe counters
  • Wash dishes promptly
  • Sweep crumbs from the floors
  • Clean under and behind appliances

Store Food Properly

  • Use airtight containers
  • Don’t leave food out overnight
  • Transfer snacks and baking items from bags to sealed containers
  • Fix Moisture Issues
  • Repair leaks under sinks
  • Dry out your sink and sponges after use
  • Dump pet water dishes at night
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas

Seal Entry Points

  • Caulk gaps around windows and doors
  • Seal around pipes
  • Check for foundation cracks
  • Install or repair screens

When to Call Northwest Exterminating

Preventative measures go a long way, but sometimes they’re not enough. Here’s when you should give us a call:

  • Ants keep coming back, no matter how clean your kitchen is
  • You’re seeing multiple trails or active nests
  • Food has been contaminated
  • You want to stop an infestation before it starts

We’ll identify the species, find the nest, and apply targeted treatments that work. Our year-round home pest control services are people—and pet-friendly and offer long-term protection, so you don’t have to fight the same ant battle every summer.

Partner With Us for Long-Term Ant Control

DIY prevention is not a complete solution. Professional pest control is the best way to eliminate existing infestations and prevent new ones from developing. At Northwest Exterminating, we’ve been solving ant problems in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona for decades. Whether you already see ants in your kitchen or want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

Reach out today to schedule your inspection and reclaim your kitchen for good.