Ants are smart insects that work together in a collective group mentality to ensure their hive's survival. While some may find their tiny antennas and six legs endearing, these little bugs can become a nuisance when they invade your home. Whether you prefer humane methods or more drastic measures, here are 12 effective ways to get rid of ants and keep them out.
1. Locate the Source
Before you can effectively get rid of ants, you need to understand why they are in your home. Ants are usually attracted to food sources. Look for any spills, crumbs, or food residues that might be drawing them in. For example, a long-forgotten juice spill or a honey jar with sticky drips can attract ants. Clean up these messes thoroughly to remove the initial attraction.
2. Stop Ants from Coming Back
After cleaning up the mess and sweeping away the ants, the problem might seem solved. However, ants leave behind a trail of pheromones for other ants to follow. To prevent them from finding their way back, clean the trail scent using a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water. Spray this solution wherever you have spotted ants.
3. Keep Ants Out
Seal any cracks or crevices that ants might use to enter your home. This includes gaps around windows, doors, torn screens, window air conditioners, and foundations. Use caulking, tape, or a sealant to close these entry points. Keeping your home well-sealed not only prevents ants but also other unwanted critters from getting inside.
4. Repel Ants with Spices and Coffee
Ants dislike the strong smell of certain spices and coffee grounds. Sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, or cloves at entry points to deter ants. Cinnamon has been particularly effective in repelling both ants and wasps safely and harmlessly. The same applies to coffee grounds.
5. Use Lemon and Peppermint
Lemon juice can naturally repel ants. Squeeze lemon juice near baseboards and doorways where ants are commonly spotted. Lemon rind also works. Ants dislike the smell and taste of lemon, and it masks their pheromone trails. Similarly, peppermint essential oil mixed with water can be sprayed at entry points to repel ants and other insects like mosquitoes and wasps.
6. Try Baby Powder
If you have a bottle of baby powder, you have an ant repellent. Ants don't like the texture of baby powder, and the strong smell can disrupt their scent trails. Sprinkle baby powder at entry points to prevent ants from coming into your home. However, this method won’t make ants already inside leave.
7. Draw Chalk Lines
Chalk can also be used to keep ants away. For reasons unknown, ants refuse to walk over a chalk line. Draw lines in chalk across their trails and entry points to deter them. However, it's best to seal the entry points as well to prevent ants from finding an alternate route.
8. Use Borax
Borax is a powerful ant killer. Mix equal parts borax and sugar and sprinkle it where ants enter your home. The ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, eliminating the infestation. Use caution if you have young children or pets, as borax is poisonous if ingested.
9. Spray White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective ant killer and repellent. Use straight white vinegar to kill ants on contact. To repel them, mix equal parts water and vinegar, and add lemon or peppermint essential oil for an extra boost. Spray this mixture at entry points and ant trails to keep them away.
10. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can kill ants by dehydrating them. Sprinkle it along ant trails, around entry points, and near nests. Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets but deadly for ants.
11. Create Cornstarch Traps
Cornstarch can be used to trap and kill large numbers of ants. Pour cornstarch over the ants and add water to create a sticky mess that traps and suffocates them. Alternatively, you can cover the ants with cornstarch and vacuum them up, ensuring to dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately.
12. Call Professional Help
If the ant infestation is severe and persistent, it might be time to call in professional pest control. Experts have access to more potent solutions and can address the problem at its source.
Conclusion
Ants can be a persistent and frustrating problem in any home. By understanding why they are attracted to your space and using a combination of the methods above, you can effectively get rid of ants and prevent them from returning.
Whether you prefer natural, non-lethal repellents or more aggressive measures, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Remember, keeping your home clean and sealing entry points are key steps in maintaining an ant-free environment. With these strategies, you can reclaim your home from these tiny invaders.
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