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Why Are There Tiny Ants Around My Kitchen Sink?

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated

Quick answer

Tiny ants around a sink are usually after water and food residue. Very small pale ants are often ghost ants, common in Queensland homes; small shiny black ants are usually black house ants. They enter along plumbing gaps under the sink and behind the splashback, and are drawn to moisture, sugary residue and food scraps in the drain area.

Why this happens

Sinks combine moisture with traces of sugar, grease and food. Small ant species can use very narrow gaps along pipes and sealant lines to reach them.

In hot, dry weather, water becomes the main attraction, so ants may appear at sinks even when benches are spotless.

What you may be seeing

  • Very small ants (1–3 mm) on the sink edge, tap base or splashback.
  • Ants disappearing behind the sink, under the benchtop or into sealant cracks.

What you can do

  • Dry the sink and draining rack at night.
  • Clean the sink, drain strainer and splashback thoroughly.
  • Re-seal gaps where the sink and splashback meet the benchtop.
  • Seal around pipes in the cupboard under the sink.
  • Place a label-approved gel bait near the trail, away from food and dishes.
Using pest products safely

If you use an insecticide or bait, read the label first and follow it exactly, including directions for children, pets and food areas. Australian law requires products to be used only as the label directs.

When professional help may be needed

Ghost ants and some other tiny species nest in wall voids and multiple locations, so persistent activity may need professional identification and baiting.

Ants

Social insects that live in colonies and follow scent trails to food and water. Most ant problems in homes are nuisance foraging trails from colonies outside the house.

Species mentioned

Black House Ant

Ochetellus glaber

A small, shiny black native ant that forms long trails into kitchens and bathrooms searching for sweet food and water.

Guide

Pest Prevention Checklist

A printable seasonal checklist of simple, low-cost tasks that reduce pests around Australian homes, with the reason behind each step and extra lists for renters, apartment residents, pet owners and Queenslander owners.

Guide

Common Brisbane Household Pests

A Brisbane-specific overview of the pests residents meet most often, when they are active, and what the subtropical climate, storms, creeks and Queenslander homes mean for pest pressure.

Guide

How to Pest-Proof Your Home

A practical, room-by-room approach to reducing pests without relying on chemicals: remove what attracts them, close the ways in, and make your property less comfortable for them.

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Sources & further reading

PestMan provides general information only and does not replace licensed pest-management, medical, veterinary or structural advice. Always read and follow product labels. Read our disclaimer.