Your kitchen will become unhygienic, and you will become frustrated due to pissant infestation. Then, you will probably ask, “How to get rid of pissants in the kitchen?”
These tiny pests have a knack for infiltrating even the cleanest kitchens. And their scavenging nature can contaminate food and compromise the overall cleanliness of your kitchen. Therefore, you must learn the right strategies and proactive measures to effectively get rid of pissants and prevent them from returning.
In this guide, I will explore various methods, including natural remedies, chemical treatments, and preventive measures, to help you maintain a pissant-free environment in your kitchen.
Contents
What Do You Know About Pissants?
Pissants are small ants belonging to the species Solenopsis molesta or Solenopsis picea. They are colloquially known as piss ants. The word “pissant” is sometimes used colloquially to refer to a pessimistic or annoying person. However, the term may vary in its usage and connotation depending on the region or culture.
They are commonly found in North America. Their small size and reddish-brown coloration distinguish them from other ants. By nature, pissants are quite resilient. Often, they infest residential homes in search of food sources.
Many people think that pissants and sugar ants are the same. However, this is not entirely true. Pissant doesn’t specify any particular ant species. The term can be used in a derogatory or dismissive manner to describe wood ants. Whereas, Sugar ants can belong to different species, such as the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) or the pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum).
Why Should You Eliminate Pissants From Your Kitchen?
If you are asking yourself, “Can Pissants damage my house?” Then, the answer is no. However, they can be bothersome (as their name suggests) when they infest your house in large quantities. In a nutshell, you will want to keep your home free from Pissants or any kind of ant, especially after considering the following factors:
- Food Contamination: Pissants are scavengers. They always look for food sources. In the kitchen, they can contaminate your food by crawling on it. Then, bacteria or other pathogens will accumulate in food. This can later pose a health risk.
- Structural Damage: Pissants like to create nests and colonies in areas with moisture. This can eventually cause damage to structures, such as cabinets, walls, and electrical wiring.
- Compromise Hygiene: If there are Pissants in the kitchen, it can compromise the overall hygiene of your food. As a result, foodborne illnesses may arise due to the lack of a sanitary environment.
- Other Pest Infestation: Pissants will establish a colony in your kitchen since they are social insects. This can attract other insects. For example, some species of ants release chemical signals that attract aphids.
- Losing Focus On Kitchen Work: You can focus more on cooking, eating, and other kitchen work by eliminating pissants from your kitchen. This will result in peace of mind since there is no constant annoyance of pests crawling around.
How To Get Rid Of Pissants In The Kitchen Through Different Methods?
There are various ways you can get rid of pissants in your kitchen. You can apply homemade remedies to get rid of them. Otherwise, you can use chemical solutions or biological solutions. And there are some other methods if they don’t work. The success of the method depends on the severity of the infestation.
From homemade to chemical remedies, I will discuss almost all possible ways to eliminate Pissants from the kitchen.
Home Remedies
Soap Spray
An effective way to repel and kill Pissant is to use soap spray. Soap disrupts the waxy outer layer of the ant’s exoskeleton. This causes them to dehydrate and eventually die. Making soap spray is easy; just mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle. However, they are effective in eliminating the entire colony.
Sugar And Boric Acid
This mixture combines sugar with boric acid. The sugar acts as bait to attract the pissants. Whereas, the boric acid acts as a slow-acting poison that they carry back to their nests. Ultimately, this will eliminate the colony.
Besides using sugar, this solution can be made using 1 table spoon of boric acid and 1 table spoon of peanut butter.
White Vinegar And Lemon
Both white vinegar and lemon have strong scents. This strong odor can disrupt their scent trails and discourage them from returning. To make this remedy, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Next, add a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture. For better results, spray the solution along ant trails and entry points.
Ground Coffee
The scent of ground coffee can mask the ants’ trail pheromones. Sprinkle ground coffee around where you have seen ant activity. As a result, it will deter them from entering your kitchen.
Cornstarch
This natural substance can absorb moisture from an ant’s body and disrupt its ability to navigate. Distribute cornstarch near ant refuges, trails, and entry points. When the ants come into contact with the cornstarch, it can interfere with their movement. This will cause them to lose their way.
Chemical Remedies
Ant Baits
This is a popular and effective method for controlling pissants. Typically, ant baits contain a slow-acting insecticide mixed with attractive food sources. When a pissant get in contact with this bait, they carry it back to their colonies.
The foraging ants consume the bait and share it with the rest of the colony. Eventually, the entire colony will be eliminated. There are plenty of ant baits in the market. The Terro Liquid Ant Bait is one of the popular ones.
Borax
This is another natural mineral to create homemade ant baits. Mix equal portions of borax and a sweet substance. You can use sugar, honey, or other sweet substances for this. Pissants will consume the mixture when they are attracted to it.
After that, they will carry it back to the colony, resulting in the elimination. Remember, I have previously discussed creating a mixture of boric acid and sugar, which was for homemade solutions. This is more professional and you can buy ready-made solutions from Ecoxall Chemicals. When handling borax, please be cautious and keep it away from children.
Ant Killer Spray
These sprays often contain synthetic insecticides that quickly immobilize or kill the pissants. They are effective for directly targeting individual Pissants or ant trails. When using ant killer sprays, you should avoid inhaling or getting the spray on food preparation surfaces.
There are organic insecticides like the Orange Guard Home Pest Control Spray. Among non-organic options, the BASF Alpine PT Insecticidal Aerosol will be good. These sprays can control other types of insects as well.
Biological Remedies
Insect Repellant Herbs and Oils
Certain herbs have insect-repellent properties that can deter pissants. Examples include peppermint, spearmint, lavender, turmeric, and cinnamon. You can place sachets filled with these herbs where ants are present. Pissants and other insects can’t stand the phytochemicals that these herbs release.
Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of essential oil (such as citrus oil) with water and spray around the ant entry point. If you are willing to spend the money, essential oils from MAJESTIC PURE are a great commercial solution.
Aromatic Plants
Plants such as mint, basil, rosemary, and lemon balm have scents that can repel ants. Therefore, they can be great deterrents to pissants. You can plant them in pots or create a small herb garden near windows, doorways, or areas prone to ant activity. However, they may not eliminate an existing infestation.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is abrasive to insects with exoskeletons, including pissants. To despise pissants, distribute a thin layer of diatomaceous earth near their trails and refuges. However, you should use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it can irritate the respiratory system. For instance, the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth can be a good option.
I recommend watching the following video to learn a natural method on how to get rid of pissants in the kitchen.
Tips To Prevent Pissants From Coming Back To Your Kitchen
Once you have finally gotten rid of Pissants, you don’t want them to return. But, Pissants can keep coming back to your kitchen only because of your negligence. So, I will share some tips to prevent Pissants from returning to your kitchen.
- Regular Sweeping And Keeping Food Away
If you regularly sweep and store food in tightly sealed containers, the little creators won’t come back to your kitchen. Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills immediately. Additionally, keep countertops, cabinets, and pantry areas free of food debris.
- Keep The Garbage Out Of The Kitchen
Do not leave garbage in the kitchen. The proper disposal of garbage is essential in preventing pissant infestations. Empty the trash regularly and use garbage bins with tight-fitting lids. Also, regularly clean the garbage area.
- Seal Off Any Cracks Or Holes
Pissants can enter your kitchen through even the tiniest cracks or holes. Therefore, seal off these entry points with caulk or other appropriate sealants. By blocking potential entry points, you can reduce the chances of ants returning to your kitchen.
- Seal Off The Pipes
Apart from cracks and holes, pissants can use plumbing pipes to gain access to your kitchen. Ensure that pipes under sinks or in other areas are properly sealed. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps or openings around pipes.
- Break Down The Pheromones
As mentioned before, pissants communicate using chemical trails or pheromones. You may prevent the pheromone trails from spreading by regularly cleaning surfaces. This will make it difficult for pissants to navigate and find their way back to your kitchen.
- Wipe Out Moist Areas
Keep your kitchen dry since they are attracted to moisture. Don’t waste time wiping up any standing water or excess moisture in the kitchen. Plus, regularly check for leaks under sinks, faucets, or appliances.
- Check Regularly
You need regular inspection and monitoring of your kitchen to detect any early signs of pissant activity. In addition to pissant trails, check for small piles of dirt or debris. If you can identify and address a potential infestation, you can prevent it from becoming large.
How To Get Rid Of Pissants In The Kitchen FAQs
What are pissants and why are they attracted to the kitchen?
Pissants, or sugar ants, are small ants that are attracted to sweet substances. They are often found in the kitchen because of the presence of food crumbs, spilled liquids, and sugary items that can serve as a food source for them.
How long does it take to get rid of pissants in the kitchen?
The time it takes to eliminate a pissant infestation can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the methods used. It may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to completely get rid of the ants. Consistency and thoroughness in implementing control measures are key to successful eradication.
How can I prevent pissants from entering my kitchen?
To prevent pissants from entering your kitchen, it is important to maintain a clean environment. Regularly clean up food debris and spills, and store food in airtight containers to eliminate potential food sources. Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors regularly to remove any residue that may attract ants. Seal any cracks or openings in windows, doors, and walls to prevent ants from finding entry points. Keeping trash cans tightly covered and promptly washing dirty dishes in the sink can also help deter pissants from being attracted to your kitchen. By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of pissants invading your kitchen space.
Bottom Line
I don’t think you are still asking yourself, “How to get rid of pissants in the kitchen?” I believe I have shown the right approach to overcome this problem. You can effectively eliminate pissant infestations by implementing the discussed methods. At the same time, it requires a combination of diligence and consistency to get rid of pissants in the kitchen. By doing so, you may make your kitchen a place where pissants are not welcome.
