To get rid of ants effectively, you can use a combination of natural repellents, cleaning methods, and targeted treatments:
Natural Repellents and Treatments
- Vinegar and Lemon Juice: Mix vinegar and water (1:1 or 1:3) or lemon juice and water (1:3) and spray on ant trails, entry points, and surfaces. This removes their scent trails and repels ants due to the strong citrus and acidic smell
- Borax and Sugar Solution: Mix borax with sugar and water, soak cotton balls in the solution, and place them where ants appear. The sugar attracts ants, and borax kills them. Keep away from pets and children
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth where ants travel. It dehydrates ants by damaging their exoskeletons and is safe for humans and pets if used properly
- Essential Oils: Peppermint, cinnamon leaf, and oil of lemon eucalyptus can repel ants. Use cotton balls soaked in these oils placed near entry points or spray diluted oils with water around the home
- Cayenne Pepper and Cornmeal: Sprinkling cayenne pepper can deter ants, while cornmeal can kill ants over time as they cannot digest it and bring it back to the colony
Cleaning and Prevention
- Remove Food Sources: Clean up spills immediately, store food in sealed containers, and remove open food sources that attract ants
- Remove Pheromone Trails: Use vinegar or lemon juice solutions to wipe down surfaces to erase the chemical trails ants follow
- Seal Entry Points: Locate where ants enter and seal cracks or holes with caulk or other sealants to prevent re-entry
- Boiling Water: Pour boiling water into ant nests or holes near your home to kill ants inside immediately, though this may not eliminate the entire colony
Additional Tips
- Use dish soap and water spray to kill ants on contact by breaking down their exoskeletons
- Keep plants and shrubs away from your home’s foundation to reduce ant access points
- For severe infestations, consider professional pest control services for permanent solutions
Using these methods together can help you get rid of ants quickly and prevent them from returning.
