The weather is getting better, warmer, and more inviting as spring draws to a close. However, there are issues with this weather since it attracts pests like ants, which invade homes in search of food. Although useful, pest control services can be somewhat pricey. Fortunately, there are a variety of efficient techniques to get rid of ants on your own.
How To Prevent Ants From Getting In Your Home
The first step in managing ant issues is to prevent them from getting in your home. Ants have a very strong sense of smell and love sugary things, so don’t leave food unprotected on the counter or in the cupboards because they will find it very easily. Even an opened, empty can of soda will attract ants because of the sugar left on the rim, so rinse containers that have been in contact with food before you put them in the trash or in the recycling bin.
How To Get Rid Of Ants
Sometimes ants find a way to your food even if you keep your home clean and your food tucked away. Here are some natural homemade tricks you can try to keep ants at bay.
1. Cinnamon
Ants will avoid places that are scented with cinnamon.
What you’ll need
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon essential oil
- 1 cup water
- Cotton balls or cloth
- Cinnamon cloves (optional)
What to do
- Mix cinnamon essential oil with water
- Soak a cotton ball or a cloth in the mixture
- Wipe your counters and other areas where you spot ants
- Repeat once a day until the ants disappear
- You can also leave cinnamon cloves near doors and windows
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural ingredient whose smell repels ants.
What you’ll need
- Distilled vinegar
- Water
- Lemon essential oil
- Spray bottle
What to do
- Mix equal parts of distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle
- Add a few drops of lemon essential oil
- Shake well before each use
- Spray around baseboards and places where you see ants
- Repeat daily until ants are gone
3. Borax
The trick of this recipe is not to repel but to attract ants so that they’ll want to take the food back to their nest and share it. The borax that hides in the food will ultimately kill all of them.
What you’ll need
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon borax
- 1 teaspoon water
- Plastic container with lid
- Sharp object to poke holes
What to do
- Mix all ingredients in the container
- Seal with lid and poke a few holes through the lid and the sides of the container so only ants can get in and out
Watch the video for more information and tricks on how to get rid of ants in your home and your yard.
If you see that ants and other pests are getting out of control and you can’t manage on your own, it might be better to consult a professional. Getting help when your pest problem persists might save you more money and peace of mind in the long run.