Home » Why are there ants in my dishwasher?

Why are there ants in my dishwasher?

Finding ants in the kitchen is an unwelcome surprise for any homeowner. What can come as an even worse surprise is finding them in your dishwasher! Part of what makes the dishwasher such an unexpected home for ants is that you would probably imagine that the whole-flooding-with-hot-water thing would make it an undesirable spot for them to post up.

Finding ants in the kitchen is an unwelcome surprise for any homeowner. What can come as an even worse surprise is finding them in your dishwasher! Part of what makes the dishwasher such an unexpected home for ants is that you would probably imagine that the whole-flooding-with-hot-water thing would make it an undesirable spot for them to post up.

 

However, it turns out that the occasional flooding does not do much to dissuade ants from taking up residence in this particular kitchen appliance. Let’s talk about why ants love hanging out in the dishwasher so much!

 

Why are there ants in the dishwasher?

 

The main reason ants find their way into your dishwasher is that to them, it is basically a banquet hall! Every time you put a dish in there, it usually has at least some food residue on it. That makes it the ideal spot for ants to raid, especially since dishes usually sit in the dishwasher for a couple of days before you run a full load and empty it.

 

You may think it would be a dangerous and deadly meal for the ants since the dishwasher is flooded with hot water every time you use it. However, it is easy for ants to hide in cracks while the dishwasher is running, keeping them safe in between meals. The dishwasher is also fairly easy for ants to get into. It has lots of cracks and seams that allow the ants easy entry and exit to their new favorite dining spot.

 

How do I get rid of ants in my dishwasher?

 

Usually the first thought of homeowners looking to rid their dishwasher of ants is, “I’ll just run the water, kill them all!” This makes sense, but as we discussed above, ants are like professional escape artists when it comes to dodging a hot rinse in your dishwasher. They can easily hide in cracks and avoid the hot water entirely, leaving them free to feast next time you load the dishwasher up. Plus, even if you do manage to kill some of the ants currently in the dishwasher this will not kill the rest of the colony. Therefore, running a hot rinse is at most a temporary fix as it still leaves the rest of the colony free to return to the dishwasher at their leisure.

 

One common home remedy is to use a delayed ant lure. If you place it near the dishwasher, the ants may carry some of the poisoned bait back to their colony and share it. If they successfully poison the entire colony, you will have succeeded in freeing your kitchen from the infestation. At least, temporarily. If you have ants in your home, they likely found a way into your property from outside. This means that it is very possible that there is an entry for the ants into your home that you are unaware of. Not to worry though, we can help! If you have ants in your home, call your local pest control heroes at (888) MRCLEGG and let our team leap into action defending your property.

 

Need help with ants in your dishwasher or elsewhere? Call Clegg’s!

 

If you have ants in your home, call our Clegg’s Pest Control team! Our ant extermination experts are ready to leap into action protecting your home from those unwanted pests. With over 50 years of experience, we are your go-to pest control pros. Contact our team today at (888) MRCLEGG and let us get to work getting those ants out of your home for good!

 

Savings Opportunities

15% OFF

Clegg's Military Discount

Are you a current or former member of our nation’s military? We would like to show our thanks and appreciation for your service in the form of a special discount on Clegg’s Pest Control services. Some restrictions may apply. Limit one per household.

15% OFF

Initial Bed Bug Control Services

Residential and New Customers Only. Call your local branch for details! Excludes Bedding Encasements. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household.

Ready for a Free Inspection?

Clegg's Locations

Asheville
276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Charlotte
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
Clinton
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
Durham
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
Fayetteville
500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Greenville
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
Kernersville
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Morehead City
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
New Bern
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Raleigh
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Smithfield
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Southport
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
Wilmington
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

Protection on all fronts

From the couch to the cubicle.

Do you think you may have an infestation?  Don’t waste any more time.  We need to fortify your defenses against an array of formidable foes.  We offer a wide array of residential as well as commercial grade services throughout North Carolina.

Residential Pest Control

Our residential pest management plans are custom tailored to your specific situation and need.

Commercial Pest Control

Pest control services for schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, offices, and everything in between.

Current Promotions

$39 OFF

Initial General Pest Control Service

Residential and new customers only. Must sign up for pest control maintenance plan. Must be 18 or older to redeem. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Call your local branch for more details.

$100 OFF

New Initial Termite Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to new initial termite services only. Does not include termite reports for closings or termite pretreatment services. No cash value. Must be 18 or older to redeem

15% OFF

Initial Bed Bug Control Services

Residential and New Customers Only. Call your local branch for details! Excludes Bedding Encasements. Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household.

15% OFF

Clegg's Military Discount

Are you a current or former member of our nation’s military? We would like to show our thanks and appreciation for your service in the form of a special discount on Clegg’s Pest Control services. Some restrictions may apply. Limit one per household.

$100 OFF

Initial Moisture Control Services

Some restrictions may apply and cannot be combined with any other offers. Limit one per household. Applies to initial moisture services only. No Cash Value. Must be 18 or older to redeem.

All Locations

Click on a location below to learn more about services, solutions, and pests in your area.

276-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
1520 Industrial Center Cir.
Charlotte, NC 28213
205 Wall St.
Clinton, NC 28328
2401 Reichard St.
Durham, NC 27705
500 S. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
864 Rivit St.
Greenville, NC 27834
740 Indeneer Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
2700 Bridges St.
Morehead City, NC 28557
218 Kale Rd.
New Bern, NC 28562
3751 Bastion Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27604
1520 S. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577
4075 Old Bridge Rd. SE
Southport, NC 28461
3417 Enterprise Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405

Get Your Free Estimate Today!

We would love to talk with you about your pest problems. Whatever your needs we’re ready to help. Fill out the simple form below and we will be in touch soon.