10 Micro Fixes for Ants & Roaches

Older trim details, shaded lots, and late day storms around Oakhurst, Winnona Park, Decatur Heights, and Clairemont Great Lakes keep kitchens attractive to ants and roaches. The good news: a few quick, repeatable habits dramatically help prevent activity and support any professional treatments — delivering responsible solutions, for your peace of mind.

Your 10 Micro Fixes (15 minutes or less each)

1. Nightly wipe-down (edges too).

Grease films and sugar dust at counter edges and under small appliances are prime trails. Do a quick pass around sink rims, backsplash edges, and under the coffee maker/microwave.

2. Dry the basin.

After dishes, towel dry sink bowls and rims. Standing moisture attracts foragers and fuels drain pests.

3. Run the disposal hot.

Flush with hot water for 30 – 60 seconds after food prep. Add a small amount of dish soap once or twice a week to reduce organic buildup (per product label).

4. Strainers + weekly drain refresh.

Use mesh strainers in sinks; empty nightly. Once a week, apply an enzyme cleaner (per label) to kitchen/bath drains to reduce films that attract roaches.

5. Seal it or bin it.

Decant flours, sugar, rice, treats, and pet food into tight-lidded containers. Clip bags inside bins if you can’t place in an air tight container immediately.

6. Trash can tune-up.

Choose a lidded can with a good gasket, line it, and wipe the rim weekly. Take trash out nightly during warm months.

7. Crumb sweep zones.

Hit toe-kicks, stove sides, and fridge rails with a quick handheld vacuum. These “crumb shadows” are common trailheads.

8. Under-appliance glide (monthly).

Slide oven and fridge out a few inches to sweep once a month. Wipe the floor line along the back wall; note any gaps or pipe penetrations to seal.

9. Seal the sneaks.

Caulk tiny entry points: along window sills, under sink plumbing, and at backsplash corners. For larger utility gaps, back with copper/steel mesh and finish with appropriate sealant.

10. Pet bowls on a schedule.

Elevate bowls if possible, place on a washable mat, and clean nightly. Avoid leaving wet food down overnight.

A Simple Routine That Works in Decatur

• Daily (5 minutes): Wipe counters/edges, dry the sink, empty strainers, take out trash.
• Twice weekly: Disposal hot water flush; quick sweep at toe kicks and appliance edges.
• Weekly: Enzyme cleaner for drains; check container lids; wipe trash can rim and lid.
• Monthly: Under-appliance glide; inspect and re-seal any gaps; deep wipe behind small appliances.

Outdoor tie-ins that matter (yes, they affect your kitchen)

• Keep 6 inches of clearance between mulch and the foundation to reduce perimeter moisture.
• Trim vegetation 12 – 18 inches off exterior walls for airflow and quicker dry-out.
• Confirm downspouts move water away from the home; add splash blocks where needed.
• Seal utility penetrations outside (cable, gas, HVAC) with mesh + exterior sealant.

What to expect after you start

With these micro fixes, most light ant/spider activity drops within 3 – 7 days. Roaches often improve over 1 – 2 weeks, especially when drains and food storage are managed. If you’re still seeing frequent trails or night sightings after a week — or if activity returns quickly — pair these habits with a professional program.

For a tailored plan built for Decatur homes, see pest control in Decatur — targeted applications, entry point sealing guidance, and follow-ups that document progress, for your peace of mind.

When to call our team

• Nightly sightings continue after a week of the routine above
• You’re finding droppings in cabinets or appliance wells
• You notice activity in multiple rooms, or near utility chases and shared walls (condos/townhomes)

We’ll inspect, identify the species and sources, design a plan that fits your kitchen and home construction, and provide clear re-entry guidance and prevention steps — delivering responsible solutions.