How can I get rid of house ants fast?

I have tiny black house ants that form large groups on the side of my cabinet, and little groups of ten that come around the sink and on the kitchen counters. Then there is a bunch hanging around the dishwasher. I do not know where they are coming from, and that is why I am all scared and worried about it. I am going on vacation in a week and I am going to be gone for a month. So I need to find a way to get rid of the critters without calling an exterminator. I tried Windex, and it kills them, but there is still more coming, I wash the counters down, doesn't work, ant/roach repellent, again, instantly kills but doesn't prevent. Please help, thank you.