5 Remedies to Get Rid of Ants
Bugs are a big part of summer living. Black flies at the cottage, mosquitos at dusk and clusters of midges by the beach, these pests are to be expected outdoors, but once they cross the threshold into our homes somehow it’s less tolerable. Ants are perhaps the worst offender, until now! We have 3 safe and sure-fire ways to remove ants from your home— and keep them out!
Diatomaceous Earth
Available at your local hardware store, diatomaceous earth is a type of silica made up of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. It kills ants and other bugs by absorbing the oils in their skeletons, effectively drying them out. While not poisonous, it is still an irritant, so you want to avoid breathing it in or getting it on your skin.
Baking soda
Surprisingly, baking soda is toxic to ants, which is why a mixture of one part baking soda and one part powdered sugar is so effective. And, you don’t need much. Simply pour the right ratio into a bottle cap and leave by the back door or wherever you think they are getting in. Ants will be drawn in by the sugar but unable to differentiate it from the baking soda and take it home to share at the hill.
Vinegar
While more of a long game, white vinegar repels ants. Try using diluted vinegar to clean hard surfaces, including floors and countertops. Ants can smell the vinegar after it dries and will stay away. Luckily, our sense of smell is less acute and the scent quickly becomes undetectable to most people.
Dish or Hand Soap
Ants leave a scented pheromone trail behind when they walk so other ants will follow. Erasing this scent trail is the first line of defense in your battle to keep ants entering your home. All you need is soap and water. Mix and spray on areas where ants seem to congregate or where you think they are coming from. Wipe down the area after spraying, leaving a light residue.
Pepper
Pepper is an irritant, and in high doses, affects ants much the same way it does people. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sprinkling black or red (cayenne) pepper around baseboards and behind appliances may help keep ants at bay.
TIP: Keep your yard clean of debris. Vines or vegetation touching or growing on the walls of your home can make it easier for ants to enter.
Photo from Pixabay
