Latest Methods to Eliminate Ants in Your Home
Are you troubled by ants invading your home? During hot weather or rainy seasons, many people discover ants in their homes and gardens. Ants, social insects living in colonies that can range from hundreds to millions, depending on the species, can infiltrate your food, damage property, or cause painful bites.
These small creatures can also harm plants if they enter your garden. Dealing with ants can be frustrating, especially since ant pesticides contain harmful chemicals for humans and the environment. However, there are some natural, non-toxic ways to control ants, which may take some time and patience, but yield good results.
Here are the most effective natural methods to get rid of ants in your home or garden:
Cinnamon as an Ant Repellent:
Cinnamon is an effective spice for repelling house ants. Its scent discourages ants from entering your home and kitchen. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Scientific Research shows that cinnamon oils have positive results in repelling insects, including ants.
Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of water. Dampen a cotton ball in this solution and wipe areas where ants enter or reside. Repeat daily until all ants disappear. You can also place cinnamon and cloves on the ground near where ants enter.
Eliminating Ants with White Vinegar:
- White vinegar sends a message to ants to leave your home due to its strong scent. It also acts like a mask, making them lose direction and focus.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of any essential oil and shake well. Spray around baseboards and other ant entry points.
- After an hour, wipe up the ants with a damp paper towel and dispose of them.
- Repeat daily until the ants are completely gone. This solution can also be used for cleaning floors, windows, and surfaces to prevent ants from crawling on these surfaces.
Borax: Toxic borax helps rid your home and garden of ants, as ants are attracted to it and eventually killed after ingestion.
- Mix equal amounts of borax with some food leftovers and place it on a flat plate in areas where ants are present.
- Alternatively, mix borax with sugar granules and add enough water to get a syrup-like consistency.
- Place this paste in areas where you see ants. Another option is to make a paste of equal parts of borax, cornmeal, and a few drops of water, and place this paste in areas where ants appear.
- Note: Borax is a poisonous substance, so keep it away from pets and young children.
Lemon for Effective Ant Removal:
- Use lemon to make your kitchen and other areas of your home free from ants, as its scent repels ants and drives them out of the house.
- Rub some lemon juice on door thresholds, windows, and other places where ants are present. Another option is to place a few drops of lemon on a cotton ball and leave it in cabinets and other areas where ants are present.
- Spread small slices of lemon peel around potential ant entrances. Use these remedies every few days until the ants are completely gone.
Mint as a Distinctive Ant Repellent:
- Mint is a natural insect repellent that helps completely get rid of ants, as ants hate its strong scent, which disrupts their smell capabilities, preventing them from detecting food sources.
- Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to a cup of water, and spray this solution in all areas where ants are present. Repeat twice daily until the ants are completely gone. Sprinkle some dried mint around the house, entrances, and garbage areas to repel ants. You can also plant mint in your home garden.
Cucumber Peel:
- Cucumber peel effectively repels ants, as they naturally dislike cucumber, especially bitter cucumber, for faster results.
- Peel a cucumber and place pieces of the peel in all areas where ants are present. Replace the peels with fresh ones daily. Repeat as needed until the ants are completely gone.
Chili Powder as a Strong Ant Repellent:
- Chili powder repels ants due to its strong nature, which eliminates the chemical signals ants rely on for navigating towards food or colonies.
- Sprinkle chili powder in areas where you notice ants. You can also mix equal amounts of chili powder and turmeric powder and sprinkle it on places where ants are present.
Dishwashing Liquid:
- Dishwashing liquid effectively repels ants, as it helps suffocate them, causing their death.
- Mix a small teaspoon of dish soap and baking soda in a cup of water, and spread this solution along areas where ants are present. Fill a spray bottle with dish soap and water, and spray the mixture on areas where ants are present.
