Ants spreading through the house is a problem that every homeowner deals with at some point. Although we may not always see them, these small creatures are always on the lookout for food and often enter our homes in search of it.
How Can Ants Harm Us?
While some ants are harmless, some ants can bite and some are poisonous which can cause serious harm to us. So, it is important to get rid of ants as soon as possible. Although they are very small, they can damage our home and property by chewing on wires, woodwork, and even clothing.
There are many ways to get rid of ants. The most common method is using insecticides. However, these insecticides may not be effective against all types of ants and can also be harmful to us. So, it is always better to use natural methods to get rid of ants.
Home Remedies for Ants
There are many home remedies that can help you get rid of ants effectively. Some of the most popular home remedies for ants include:
1. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective home remedy for getting rid of ants. The strong smell of vinegar will repel ants and prevent them from entering your home.
- To use this home remedy,
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- spray it around the perimeter of your home.
- You can also soak a cotton ball in vinegar and place it near areas where you have seen ants.
2. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by suffocating the ants.
To use this home remedy,
- sprinkle cornstarch in areas where you have seen ants.
- The cornstarch will stick to the ants and eventually kill them.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by repelling ants with its strong smell.
- To use this home remedy,
- Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle
- Spray it around the perimeter of your home.
- You can also soak a cotton ball in peppermint oil and place it near areas where you have seen ants.
4. Borax
Borax is another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by poisoning the ants.
To use this home remedy,
- Mix equal parts of borax and sugar in a bowl.
- Then, place the mixture in areas where you have seen ants.
The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will eventually eat the borax which will kill them.
5. Liquid Detergent with Glass Cleaner
This is a very effective home remedy for ants. The strong smell of the liquid detergent will repel ants and prevent them from entering your home.
- To use this home remedy,
- Mix equal parts of liquid detergent and glass cleaner in a spray bottle
- Spray it around the perimeter of your home.
6 Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by repelling ants with its strong smell.
- To use this home remedy,
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle
- Spray it around the perimeter of your home.
- You can also soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and place it near areas where you have seen ants.
7 Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by repelling ants with its strong smell.
- To use this home remedy,
- Sprinkle coffee grounds in areas where you have seen ants.
- The coffee grounds will repel the ants and prevent them from entering your home.
8 Boric Acid
Boric acid is another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by poisoning the ants.
- To use this home remedy,
- Mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar in a bowl.
- Then, place the mixture in areas where you have seen ants.
The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will eventually eat the boric acid which will kill them.
9 Lemons
Lemons are another effective home remedy for ants. This home remedy works by repelling ants with its strong smell.
To use this home remedy,
- Mix the juice of one lemon with water in a spray bottle
- spray it around the perimeter of your home.
- You can also soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and place it near areas where you have seen ants.
10 Check for Infested Houseplants
If you have houseplants, check them for ants. Oftentimes, ants will infest houseplants and use them as a way to enter your home. If you find ants on your houseplants, throw the plant away and do not bring it back into your home.
How Can you Avoid Getting ants in Your Home?
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting ants in your home:
1. Keep Your Home Clean: Ants are attracted to food and garbage, so make sure to keep your home clean and free of clutter.
2. Store Food in Airtight Containers: This will prevent ants from being able to smell the food and attract them into your home.
3. Seal Any Cracks or Gaps in your Home: Ants can enter your home through small cracks and gaps, so make sure to seal any that you find.
4. Use Natural Repellents: There are a variety of natural substances that ants dislike, such as coffee grounds, vinegar, and lemon juice. You can use these substances to repel ants from your home.
5. Check for Infested Houseplants: If you have houseplants, check them for ants. Often times, ants will infest houseplants and use them as a way to enter your home. If you find ants on your houseplants, throw the plant away and do not bring it back into your home.
6. Call an Exterminator: If you have tried all of the above and you are still seeing ants in your home, you may need to call an exterminator. Exterminators can identify the type of ant infesting your home and provide you with the best course of treatment.
These are just a few of the many home remedies for ants that you can use. If you have an ant problem, try one of these home remedies and see if it works for you. If none of these remedies work, calling an exterminator may be your best option.
Caution: Be extra careful while dealing with essential oils and boric acid as they can be poisonous if used in large quantities or not diluted properly. Also, keep these remedies away from children, pregnant women and pets to avoid any accidents.
