How do I stop the Ants and do a makeover on the counters?

The counters are old and as you can see I have tried to grout the counters several times. The grout keep getting tiny holes and the ants are coming in. Any suggestions to Seal to ensure the ants won't come in and make the counters look better. The future goal is to replace the counters to granite when I have the money to do a total remodel on the kitchen.


Side Note: I can do very simple DIY project, not really a handy (woman) type person and don't have any help on home improvement projects so I generally hire someone to do projects. Which is why I am looking for hopefully a simple fix that I can STOP the ANTS and have a better looking counter top. Thanks! Kitche

Kitchen Counter Tops K

Kitchen Counter Top

  8 answers
  • Teddiesue Teddiesue on Sep 17, 2018

    Use fabric s0ftner sheets.

    • See 1 previous
    • Teddiesue Teddiesue on Sep 17, 2018

      Yes, Just keep them near where they come in and they will leave. I had some in my pantry, layed the sheets on the shelves and they never came back.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 17, 2018

    Hello Frances, Might be better if you had a mastic sealer at the upstand joint.

  • William William on Sep 17, 2018

    The ants are coming from somewhere. i would check inside the cabinets. Remove anything from the bottom of the cabinet. Wash the bottom with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Vinegar destroys the ant trails. Then sprinkle some borax or muffin mix in the corners. The ants will take the muffin mix back to the nest. They eat it and it kills them. Ants cannot digest the muffin mix. Clean the countertop with the same mixture. To regrout you will need to remove the bad grout first. Once its dry you can paint the grout with grout paint. Comes in a plastic bottle with an attached brush. Use blue painters tape on the tile to get a smooth straight line unless you have a steady hand. That shoud seal the grout.

  • Dr. Frances Richards Dr. Frances Richards on Sep 17, 2018

    Thanks for the prompt response, Is there a brand you would suggest for the Master Sealer and what is the Upstand Joint? Do I just get a Master Sealer and (1) wash down the counters and (2) put the master sealer on like a paint. (3) Do I need to put more Grout down or just a Master Sealer. When I say I don't do any DIY projects, I am really Not a handy person, so if you can explain further.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Sep 17, 2018

    Are the holes where the back splash and counter meet? There you can just calk. If on the counter not sure ants can get in there since tile is glued down to solid plywood. So I don't know there.

  • Diana Vannoni Diana Vannoni on Sep 17, 2018

    I have made a paste with Borax and sugar then placed a bit on the counter beneath the back splash. They ate it and never came back.

  • I use packaged cornbread mix that says it is sweetened and put it where they are. They will take it to the mound, everyone will eat it and die, they can't digest the cornmeal, but will take it because it is sweetened. Little goes a long way.


    I read this from : Itsmemic

    Medicated powder from the Dollar Tree. It has eucalyptus in it...menthol...I puff it around my homes foundation..and inside under my birdcages in the cracks under moldings. Work immediately and they never come back. I do this at the first sign of ants..in one day..GONE. The powder is in a very large container and lasts quite awhile too !! And smells great !

    Not toxic to my birds OR dog

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Dec 12, 2020

    There are lots of great ideas here for you:


    Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk