(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When it comes to common household pests, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing an army of ants invading your spaces. That was precisely the case when I’d recently noticed small brown ants trailing across my kitchen countertop and making their way into every tiny crack and crevice.

And while I’d tried all sorts of DIY methods to eliminate ants — ranging from white vinegar and lavender essential oil to citrus peels — I’d be dismayed each time I’d spot the rogue few lingering on my countertop. To make matters worse, I couldn't identify where they were coming from or what was attracting them. I was literally at my wits' end.

That was until I noticed an easily overlooked kitchen essential that turned out to be the unlikely culprit. Surprisingly, removing this single item completely solved my ant problem — here’s why.

My bread box

Bread bin on countertop (Image credit: Future)

I love fresh pastries for breakfast and have always kept them stored in my trusty bread box.…