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Most of us are familiar with the problem of house ants. These unwanted guests can get into even the cleanest and healthiest homes. They infiltrate through small holes in windows, doorways, floors, and other areas and seek food and water to replenish their colony.
They leave behind a chemical trail, called a pheromone, that attracts other ants nearby. Because of this natural behavior, if you see one ant, you can assume that there are many others nearby. If you do nothing, you may find many ant trails in your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. But you don’t have to call an exterminator immediately. There are a variety of techniques to keep these pests at bay.
From home remedies to access restrictions, here’s how to get rid of ants in your home.
How to get rid of ants naturally
If you know how to get rid of ants in your apartment, it’s important that you do it in the safest way possible to protect your family and pets. There are many safe methods to get rid of ants in the home, such as boiling water or a small amount of boric acid. You can also get rid of ants naturally by destroying their pheromonal pathways.
If you make it difficult for them to find food and water, the ants will move to greener areas. Frequent wiping of the ants’ pathways with soap eliminates the pheromones and interrupts the cycle.
Here are five home remedies to get rid of ants without using harsh commercial insecticides.
1. Diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is a silicic acid compound made from an aquatic organism called diatom, which is completely harmless to the human body. This compound kills ants and other pests by absorbing the oils in their skeletons and killing them by dehydration. Diatomaceous earth is not toxic, but if the dust is inhaled or applied to the skin, it can cause irritation. If you use this method to control ants, always follow the instructions on the label.
2. Peppermint oil
Peppermint is a natural insecticide that works against many pests like mosquitoes and ants. In a clean spray bottle, mix 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water. Spray baseboards and windows around the house and let dry. You can also use lavender or citrus essential oils to achieve the same effect. Remember to keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, though.
3. White vinegar
As one of the most versatile natural cleaning products in your home, distilled white vinegar is also one of the safest and most effective home remedies for ants. A spray bottle made of half water and half vinegar kills ants on contact and is ideal for wiping down countertops and other hard surfaces. This natural ant control method will continue to deter ants long after the vinegar smell has disappeared.
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4. Boric acid
Boric acid is a safe pesticide that, when used properly, kills cockroaches, termites, and ants. Boric acid has low toxicity, but remember to keep it out of reach of children and pets and wear gloves when using it. Start by mixing ½ teaspoon of boric acid, 8 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and place it on the area where the ants are located. You can also make a homemade ant trap by mixing boric acid with corn syrup and coating a piece of cardboard.
5. Boiling water
Examine the ground around your home for the nearest ant farm and pour boiling water on it. This method of ant control usually won’t destroy the entire colony, but it can slow down the invasion of ants into your home while you work through the rooms. It is also possible that you can get rid of the colony if you are lucky enough to kill the queen with boiling water.
The next time you see those annoying ants swirling around your kitchen table, you’ll know exactly how to get rid of them in your home. If you want to keep your home clean and keep ants and bacteria at bay, Clean Couches Sydney is here for you. Learn more about our affordable and environmentally friendly home cleaning services with a free online quote.
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