Ants can be a nuisance, especially when they start entering your home. Many people rely on harsh chemicals to get rid of these pesky insects. As Functional Medicine Providers, we always look for natural ways to get the job done. In this article, we discuss some of the most effective natural methods for getting rid of ants in your home and why you should consider using them. Read on to learn more about how to eliminate ants form your home naturally.
How to get rid of ants naturally
Ants can be a pesky problem in any home, but there are ways to handle it without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here are some natural methods you can use:
1. Soapy Water
Mix a cup of water with a few drops of dish soap and spray the solution on trails. This should de-activate their scent trails and get rid of them.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar, preferably white but also apple cider vinegar will do, mixed with water can be used to clean surfaces and deter ants from coming into your home. You can also mix it with baking soda or lemon juice for added effectiveness.
3. Citrus Oil
Dab essential oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit onto a cotton ball and place it around possible entry points for ants to prevent them from entering your home.
4. Cinnamon
Sprinkling cinnamon powder along known ant trails will help keep them away from your home as they do not like its scent!
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an effective way to get rid of ants without using harsh chemicals. It is a naturally occurring substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms with hard shells. The particles are sharp and abrasive, which makes them great at slicing through their exoskeletons and killing them. This method will not harm humans or pets, but it should be used sparingly as it can have adverse effects on your home’s air quality if overused.
6. Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper
Sprinkling black pepper or cayenne pepper along pathways where ants are entering your home can help deter them from coming in. The strong smell will repel them and make it hard to find their way back into your home.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is a great way to get rid of ants without using any chemicals. The strong smell of peppermint will keep them away, and it also has disinfectant properties which can help control the spread of germs in your home. You can use essential oil or simply place some sprigs of peppermint around entry points to keep ants away.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural ant repellent that can help keep them away from your home. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray it in areas where you have seen ants coming in, or use cotton balls soaked with the solution to place around entry points. The strong scent of tea tree oil will repel any ants from entering your home.
9. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural ant repellent that can be used to keep ants away from your home. Simply mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it in areas where you have seen ants coming in, or use cotton balls soaked with the solution to place around entry points. The strong scent of lemon eucalyptus oil will keep any ants from entering your home.
10. Boiling Water
If you have an ant mound in your garden, one of the best ways to get rid of it is to pour boiling water over it. This will kill the ants and destroy their nest without using any chemicals.
11. Cornstarch
Sprinkling cornstarch along ant trails can help to keep them away from your home. The granules will stick to the ants’ feet, making it difficult for them to walk and ultimately leading them away from your home.
12. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to get rid of ants and other insects. Mix neem oil with water and spray it around entry points, or use cotton balls soaked in the solution to place around possible routes for ants to enter your home. The smell of neem oil will repel the ants and prevent them from entering your home. It’s also a good idea to spray neem oil directly onto ant trails. This should deactivate their scent trails and get rid of them.
Preventing ants from entering your home
To prevent ants from entering the home, it is important to keep food and crumbs out of sight. Store food in sealed containers and clean up all spills immediately. Seal any small cracks or openings around windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, and other points of entry with caulk or steel wool. Make sure that water sources such as sinks and pet dishes are kept dry and clean. Removing outdoor sources of food such as garbage cans or pet food is also helpful. Finally, using ant traps or baits can help to reduce the number of ants in the home. If these preventive measures do not work, it may be necessary to contact a pest control professional for assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many natural ways to get rid of ants in your home without resorting to harsh chemicals. These methods include using peppermint, tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, boiling water, cornstarch and neem oil. Additionally, it is important to remember the importance of prevention by sealing up cracks and crevices, keeping food stored properly, and regular cleaning. By following these suggestions you will be able to rid your home of ants and also help prevent them from entering in the future. With this information, it is easy to make an effective plan for keeping your home ant-free.