Ants can invade all parts of your house, but areas such as the kitchen and dining room are where you often find ant infestations. You can use various chemical sprays to get rid of the ant problem at home, but using these products can worsen the indoor air pollution, trigger an allergic reaction, or lead to poisoning especially if you have pets and small children in the house. It is a much better option to use natural ant control remedies that are not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive.
Here are some products available in every home that also work wonders as natural pest control.
1. Vinegar – Vinegar is very effective for repelling ants. The strong smell disrupts their scent trails, making it difficult for the ants to creep back to the food spot. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water. Spray the solution using a spray bottle on the kitchen counter, windows, and other areas infested by ants. Let the solution dry well. Alternatively, wipe clean the affected surfaces with a cloth and the vinegar solution.
2. Powder – Sprinkle talcum powder in affected spots in the house. Ants dislike the perfume and will keep away from the powdered area.
3. Chalk – Use chalk to draw heavy lines around entrances and holes where the ants seem to be appearing.
4. Cornmeal – Spread cornmeal over the affected areas in your house. Ants die from indigestion of cornmeal.
5. Essential Oils – Strong smells do the trick once again. Mix essential oils such as lemon, orange, clove, peppermint, eucalyptus, or mint with some water and spray liberally on the affected surfaces and entrances to the house. Repeat when the scent starts to fade.
6. Garlic and pepper powder – Sprinkling the powder around the affected areas will keep the ants at bay. As a precaution, avoid this method if you have a toddler or an inquisitive pet at home.
7. Mint – Mint is very effective at driving away ants. Place dry and crushed mint leaves or mint tea bags in areas where the ants enter.
8. Table salt – The easiest home ingredient is also among the best natural ant control remedies. Add salt to hot water and spray in places you usually see the ants.
9. Pepper- Black pepper or cayenne mixed with water and sprayed is also highly effective at getting rid of ants.
10. Cotton balls – If the spray solutions don’t seem to work, it’s time to bring out the cotton balls. Soak cotton balls with perfume or undiluted essential oil and leave them in affected areas.
Try a combination of these natural ant control remedies to determine which works best for your home. A few precautions will also help reduce their presence. For instance, ensure that you clean any food and beverage spillages right away. Always store food in airtight containers. Clean the stove, oven, and other cooking appliances thoroughly once your work in the kitchen is through. Rubbish bins should have tightly sealed lids and should be cleaned regularly.
Do you have a secret natural ingredient for getting rid of common household pests? Please do share in the comments section.
Photo credit: Simon Howden
