Ants are a nuisance that is really hard to get rid of. However, there are multiple ways to get rid of this problem without breaking the bank. In this article, we look at the 17 best methods you can use to get rid of ants in your house.
Maintain a Clean Kitchen
A clean kitchen is less likely to attract ants looking for food. Ants are attracted to dirt such as crumbs and spills. By cleaning this up you can remove the things that attract ants to your kitchen. When wiping down use cleaners like soap or countertop sprays to make sure you get every last bit of the dirt.
Use Natural Ant Repellents
Ants dislike certain natural substances, making them great for keeping ants away. Healthline recommends repellents such as coffee grounds, white vinegar, essential oils, and Borax. These options might not be as effective as artificial ones, but at least you don’t have to worry about long-lasting side effects.
Seal Up Entry Points
Sealing entry points is a crucial step in preventing ants from entering your home. It doesn’t seem that innovative, but sometimes, the simplest answer is the right answer. Identify any entry points that ants are using to get access to your house and block them with things like rags, cement, or plugs if it’s a pipe.
Store Food Properly
Ants like to eat food too. Triangle pest control says, “These creatures love bread, sugar, crackers, and other dry goods, but they do seem to get into just about anything if they desire.” Airtight containers and a well-cleaned fridge are the keys to an ants-free pantry and kitchen.
Set Up Ant Baits
Ant baits are designed to be taken back to the nest, poisoning the entire colony over time. If you have children at home, try your best to take extra care when placing these around your home. Keep them out of reach of children and instruct children to avoid them if they see them. It might be best to put these out at night while everyone is sleeping.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It kills ants by scratching their outer layer as they walk over it, causing them to dry out. To use it effectively, sprinkle the powder where ants enter your home and along their paths. Remember to keep it away from pets and children to ensure their safety.
Employ Borax-Based Solutions
Borax is a common household ingredient in natural homemade ant killers. You can make a simple ant bait by mixing borax with sweet syrup or sugar; ants are attracted to the sweetness and will carry the borax back to their colony, which eventually kills them.
Enhance Garden Maintenance
Regular garden maintenance can help minimize any problems. Drain any stagnant water as it can become an attraction for different kinds of ants. Keep your bushes short as well to limit the number of ants that can grow on them. If you have any foliage touching your house, trimming it might also help so ants don’t have a direct channel to the walls.
Adopt Ant Deterring Plants
Planting ant-repellent plants is a natural way to keep ants away from your home. Country Living Magazine recommends basil because it is cheap and readily available. Other effective plants include lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Plant these wherever you have the most ants to keep them away.
Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Like most living things, ants love moisture, and humidity provides plenty of it. Just by keeping your home dry and clean, you can help reduce the amount of moisture in the house. If you live in a dump area with high humidity levels, using a dehumidifier might help.
Opt for Professional Pest Control
If you have a severe ant problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service. Professionals can provide more powerful treatments and can help solve the problem quickly. It’s good to ask them about the safety of their methods, how long the treatment will last, and what you need to do to prepare your home for their visit.
Keep Pet Bowls Clean and Contained
It’s important to keep pet bowls clean to prevent ants. Wash your pet’s food and water bowls daily, and consider using stands that prevent ants from climbing into them. Also, try to keep feeding areas tidy and free of food crumbs, as this will make them less attractive to ants.
Remove Outdoor Attractions
To keep ants out of your house, manage your outdoor space carefully. Keep your compost bins and garbage cans clean and closed. Clean up any fallen fruits or vegetables in your garden to avoid attracting ants. Regular lawn care and yard maintenance also help reduce ant attractants.
Regularly Inspect and Clean Vents
Ants can enter your house through small openings around vents. Make sure to inspect and clean your vents regularly to keep ants out. Use caulk or other sealants to close any cracks and ensure that vents are not a hidden path for ants into your home.
Install Ant Barriers
Installing physical barriers can be a great way to keep ants out. You can use various materials, such as silicone caulk or adhesive strips, to block their entry points. Apply these barriers to windows, doors, and any cracks in your home’s foundation. Regular checks and maintenance of these barriers will help ensure they continue to block ants effectively.
Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are a simple and safe method to catch ants. These traps have a sticky surface that captures ants when they walk over it, preventing them from escaping. To use them effectively, place the traps along the walls, near ant trails, and close to entry points where you’ve seen ants coming into your home.
Educate Everyone at Home
Discuss the importance of maintaining cleanliness for everyone in the household. It might also be helpful to suggest creating rules about eating and storing food. Don’t leave the kids out of the conversation. They, too, need to learn basic food hygiene starting from a young age.
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