Ants In The Microwave – What To Do

The microwave is one of the most useful kitchen appliances that we are grateful for. In this modern age, it is almost impossible to find a home without a microwave because of how useful and valuable it is. Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones grateful for the microwave. Ants are too!

These tiny insects are known to invade the kitchen and get into some of our appliances, including the microwave, for different reasons leaving you to wonder how they managed to get into the appliance.

While this is unsettling, it is essential to remain calm and take the right approach to get them out of our beloved appliance. In this article, we’ll be addressing why ants are in your microwave and what you can do. 

Why Are Ants In Your Microwave?

Ants come into the kitchen and appliances for different reasons, an understanding of why the ants are in your microwave in the first place can help you in your quest to get rid of them. The following are some of the reasons we have found ants to love the microwave. 

1. Food

Food is one of the major reasons you will find ants in your microwave and anywhere at all! These creatures are often attracted to places where they can find residues of food, and the microwave is a good place to get that. The tiniest of crumbs will attract ants in less time than you can imagine.

2. Shelter

Just the way you want to keep yourself warm on cold days, ants want to do the same as well. They’d hide in places they are sure can give them warmth and shelter, especially during cold seasons.

The microwave is a great place for them to hide on cold days, the heat that emits from the appliance is perfect for them to hide for the season and reproduce as well. 

3. Cracks And Gaps

Ants love holes, cracks, damaged seals, gaps, and just any open space in the home. You will be sure to find ants in places with some openings, if there is an opening close to your microwave, you can bet that you will find some ants around there.

Also, ants are known to leave trails behind them as they walk, this means that they leave food crumbs in paths that they have walked through so it’s easy for them to find their way home. If the microwave is on its way home, it will leave its trails in it and other ants will follow them in it. 

Can Ants Survive In The Microwave?

Yes, ants can survive in the microwave. There are several reasons ants can survive in a microwave, they are as follows; 

• Ants are small and as a result, the wavelength created by the microwave will not affect them. Also, because the wavelengths are large, ants can avoid them because of their small sizes. 
• Ants would only be affected by the microwave if they have water in them, however, ants contain just very little water hence, the microwave will have little to no impact on them. 
• Ants can cool off on time if they ever get caught in a high-energy zone in the microwave. This gives them time to move to a place with low energy. 

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Get Rid Of Ants In The Microwave

Even if you find them only close to your microwave, it won’t be long before they get into your microwave. So, here is how you can get rid of ants in the microwave and around as well.

1. Assess The Impact

Seeing ants crawling in and out of your microwave can be alarming. However, it is important that you first, stay calm and take a moment to observe the extent of the infestation and possible reasons the ants are in your microwave, this will give you a clear direction on how to get rid of them.

2. Unplug The Microwave

Before you begin working on your microwave, it is first advised that you unplug the microwave from the power source, for your safety. This puts you in a position to handle the situation without any risk of injury or accidents. 

3. Clean The Microwave

Be sure to remove any food from the microwave and inspect them for ants. If they’ve been contaminated, dispose of them properly. When this is done, get soap and warm water or a mild cleaning agent and thoroughly clean the interior of the microwave.

Ensure you check through the nooks and crannies and clean every possible place ants may hide in the microwave. When done, clean the exterior of the microwave with the same cleaning solution or a damp cloth. We suggest you clean the areas surrounding the microwave as well. 

4. Identify And Eliminate Entry Points

Remember ants are experts in identifying cracks and gaps in the homes, you should go a step ahead of them by identifying these points and blocking them.

Pay attention to the vicinity of the microwave, nearby countertops, walls, and cabinets cover up any visible gaps or crevices with caulk or silicone, this will create a barrier and keep them from entering from these points again. 

5. Address The Source

In getting rid of the ants in your microwave, it is important to identify and locate the underlying cause of the infestation. Ants are primarily likely attracted to food crumbs or spills, we recommend that you thoroughly clean the surrounding areas.

You should also pay attention to any nearby food storage areas, trash cans, or bowls. Clean up spills and properly seal food containers to keep future ant activity.

6. Use Ant Baits

If you suspect that there may be a larger ant colony nearby, we recommend that you use ant baits or traps to effectively stop the infestation. You may choose greasy baits, protein-based, fat-based, or sugary baits; all of these baits contain ingredients that will lure ants, and help you eliminate the entire colony.

Follow the instructions on the product carefully and set the trap in areas where ants are commonly seen, i.e., microwave. However, ensure you keep it out of reach of children and pets. 

Natural Ingredients To Repel Ants

• Cinnamon 
• Peppermint oil 
• Vinegar 
• Citrus peels i.e., orange, lemon, etc. 

7. Consult A Professional

In the case where the infestation persists regardless of all you’ve done, it is best you seek professional help from an exterminator. Pest control experts have the knowledge and experience to spot ant species and effective measures to eliminate them.

They will also provide you with recommendations on preventing future ant infestations. 

Final Thoughts 

Finding ants in your microwave can be unsettling, however, there are measures to take to get rid of them. The steps outlined above will help you address the situation effectively. Do not forget to unplug the microwave before you begin to clean the appliance.

After trying out the measures above, if the infestation persists, we recommend that you consult with a professional exterminator. Also, look out for possible reasons these ants are choosing to stay in your microwave, this can give a clear direction on how to get them out.