We seem to live in a neighborhood with a sizable population of ants. At least that’s what some neighbors and former neighbors have told me. Whether or not that’s true, our house is periodically invaded by the tiny critters. I’ve beat back ant invasions in both downstairs and upstairs bathrooms, closet clothes hampers, bedding and areas of the kitchen.

Around a week ago, the ants reappeared on kitchen counters bounded by the sink and the electric range. It was about 11 p.m. when I arrived home from a long work day. I pulled out my trusty can of ant spray and some paper towels for disposing of t...