Ants are one of the most common and persistent pests that can invade your home. They are attracted to food sources, especially sugary and greasy foods, and can form large colonies that are hard to eliminate.
Ants can also carry bacteria and transmit diseases, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
There are many natural and safe ways to kill and repel ants from your home, without using toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Here are some of the proven strategies that you can try:
Borax
Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a powdery white substance that is often used as a cleaning product, emulsifier, or insect repellent. Borax works by interfering with the ants’ digestive system and killing them. To use borax, follow these steps:
- Put on safety gloves.
- Make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) borax, 8 tsp sugar, and 1 cup warm water.
- Stir until the sugar and borax are dissolved.
- Saturate cotton balls and place them around your home in areas where you commonly see ants.
- After use, wash containers thoroughly.
It is important to keep borax away from pets and children, as it can be harmful if ingested. Use only a few drops at a time, and dispose of the cotton balls after the ants are gone.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is made up of silica, which is the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is not a poison, but it kills ants and other bugs by absorbing the oils in their exoskeletons, which dries them out. To use diatomaceous earth, follow these steps:
- Wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling or touching the powder.
- Sprinkle the powder anywhere you see ants, such as around baseboards, door frames, window sills, anthills, or on visible ant trails.
- Reapply the powder as needed, until the ants are gone.
Diatomaceous earth is generally safe to use, but it can be an irritant to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Avoid breathing it in or getting it on your skin, and keep it away from children and pets.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural ant deterrent, as the ants find the smell irritating and avoid it. Peppermint oil also disrupts the ants’ pheromone trails, which they use to communicate and find food sources. To use peppermint oil, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with water and add 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Shake well and spray the solution on areas where ants seem to enter from or congregate around.
- Repeat the process as often as needed, until the ants are gone.
Peppermint oil is safe to use around children and pets, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Test a small area of your skin before using it, and avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural ant repellent, as the ants hate the smell and taste of it. Vinegar also removes the ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to find their way back. To use vinegar, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and white vinegar.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice or dish soap for extra effect.
- Spray the solution on areas where ants are present, such as countertops, floors, cabinets, sinks, or trash cans.
- Wipe the area with a clean cloth, leaving a light residue of vinegar.
- Repeat the process as often as needed, until the ants are gone.
Vinegar is safe to use around children and pets, but it can damage some surfaces, such as marble, granite, or wood. Test a small area before using it, and rinse well after use.
Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
The best way to prevent and eradicate ants from your home is to keep it clean and tidy. Ants are attracted to food sources, so it is important to remove any spills and crumbs, especially sugary and greasy foods. Here are some tips to keep your home free:
- Store food in tightly sealed containers or the refrigerator.
- Do dishes promptly and rinse them well.
- Wipe down surfaces and sweep floors regularly.
- Take out the trash frequently and keep it in a closed bin.
- Clean your indoor house plants, as they can harbor aphids that produce honeydew, a sweet substance that ants love.
- Put away your pet’s food bowl after they eat, and clean it daily.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, windows, or pipes, where ants can enter from.
- Check your outdoor areas for ant nests, and treat them with boiling water, diatomaceous earth, or borax.
By following these simple and natural strategies, you can eradicate ants from your home and prevent them from coming back.
Ants are not only annoying, but they can also pose a health risk, so it is important to act fast and effectively. If you have a severe or persistent ant problem, you may need to contact a professional pest control service for assistance.
FAQs
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different methods may work better for different situations and types of ants. However, some of the most effective and safe natural ways to kill ants are borax, diatomaceous earth, peppermint oil, and vinegar. These substances can either poison, dehydrate, repel, or disrupt the ants’ communication and navigation.
A: The best way to prevent ants from invading your home is to keep it clean and tidy. Ants are attracted to food sources, especially sugary and greasy foods, so it is important to remove any spills and crumbs, store food in sealed containers or the refrigerator, do dishes promptly and rinse them well, wipe down surfaces and sweep floors regularly, and take out the trash frequently and keep it in a closed bin. You should also seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, windows, or pipes, where ants can enter from, and check your outdoor areas for ant nests and treat them accordingly.
A: Some of the common signs of ants in your home are:
Seeing live ants, especially in large numbers or in trails, in your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas where food or water is present.
Finding ant nests, which can look like small piles of soil or dirt, in your garden, lawn, or under paving stones.
Noticing damage to your plants, wood, or electrical wiring, caused by some types of ants that can chew or gnaw on them.
Experiencing bites or stings from some types of ants that can be aggressive or venomous.
A: Most ants are harmless to humans and pets, and only cause annoyance or discomfort. However, some ants can carry bacteria and transmit diseases, such as salmonella or E. coli, by contaminating food or surfaces. Some ants can also bite or sting, which can cause pain, swelling, itching, or allergic reactions. Some of the most dangerous types of ants are fire ants, bullet ants, and jack-jumper ants
A: You should contact a professional pest control service for ant control if you have a severe or persistent ant problem that you cannot handle by yourself, or if you are dealing with a type of ant that is difficult or dangerous to eliminate, such as fire ants or carpenter ants. A professional pest control service can provide you with a thorough inspection, identification, treatment, and prevention plan for your ant problem, using the most effective and safe methods and products.