Below are 10 safe ways to get a hold of your ant problem without using any chemicals. Let’s check them out:
1. Caulk. Ants are super tiny, so they get into the smallest places that you can’t see. Start by sealing windows, doors, and other gaps/cracks to keep ants out. This will help make your home more energy efficient, too.
2. Vinegar. Use a half-and-half vinegar/water solution to clean your countertops. It’s safer than most household kitchen cleaners, and ants hate the smell. Also, vinegar eliminates the scent trails that ants use to get around.
3. Lemon Juice. Lemon juice is another great way to take care of the scent trails that ants leave behind. Spray lemon juice on the areas where you think the ants are getting in and see if you notice a decrease in activity.
4. Coffee Grounds. Another smell that ants don’t like is coffee. We’re not suggesting that you sprinkle coffee grounds all over your home, but you can use them in your garden or outdoors where you think the ants are getting in.
5. Citrus Peels. Citrus peels and cucumber rinds are toxic to the fungus that ants feed on, so leaving them near high-activity spots in and around your home can be helpful. When the ants see the peels lying there, they will turn in the other direction!
6. Talcum Powder. Talcum powder is a natural ant repellent, and it’s safe for kids and pets. Talcum powder is an ingredient found in baby powder and chalk, so you may be able to use what you already have on hand. Sprinkle the powder or draw a line of chalk where you think the ants are entering.
7. Spices And Herbs. Many spices and herbs are not a friend to ants, which is surprising considering how much they like food! Check your spice cabinet for things like cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, mint, clovers, or garlic. Any will do! Sprinkle the spices along the foundation of your home to keep ants out!
8. Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil is an awesome essential oil to have on hand for several pests, ants included. It also smells minty fresh! Use a few drops of peppermint oil to wipe down your countertops and surfaces, or spray diluted peppermint oil on high-activity areas.
9. Dish Soap. Mix dish soap in a bottle with water and spray it on the areas where you think ants are sneaking into your home. This solution can also work on ant hills. Or, you may place a thin line of soap along windows, doors, and baseboards. This can be messy, however, but it’s something to consider.
…And if all else fails….
10. Call Heritage Pest Control. Ants are a nuisance, and when you see a few of them, there are probably thousands more! Plus, if you’re dealing with large, black ants, you need to call in a professional. Carpenter ants, for example, can eat wood and compromise the structure of your home. Heritage Pest Control is well-versed in several ant removal techniques, so we’ll work with you to choose the best one for your home and family.