Ants are fascinating and beneficial creatures for our environment. However, they may cause harm to the wiring, make nests under the rotten house planks, and cause overall harm to our property. Because most people are wary of using synthetic pesticides, especially with pets and kids around, homemade ant killers may be tried in many cases. The following solutions will help you kill ants naturally without insecticides.
- Borax: Borax is a common product that is used in household cleaning. A mixture of one cup of water, two tablespoons of Borax powder, and two cups of sugar kept at the places ants frequently visit can help to get rid of pavement ants, pharaoh ants, and Argentine ants. A mixture of borax and peanut butter may also work well.
- Boiled water: Pouring a kettle of boiling water on an ant nest may quickly eradicate the ant mound. However, it may damage grass and plants as well.
- Diatomaceous earth: It is harmless to humans. This fine silica powder contains sharp tiny crystals. It makes cuts in the ant’s exoskeleton, dehydrates them, and eventually kills them. It may harm beneficial creatures such as bees too.
- Dish soap and essential oils: A mixture of a gallon of hot water with two tablespoons of liquid soap with some 15 drops of peppermint essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil may work excellently. Use one quart of water, one teaspoon of cooking oil, and one teaspoon of dish soap and spray it on ants.
- Baking soda and powdered sugar: Spreading baking soda with powdered sugar mixture with equal parts may disrupt the digestive systems of ants and kill them.
- Vinegar: Wiping ants with a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water or only vinegar may work the best. Spray the mixture of a cup of water, a cup of vinegar, and tea tree oil (5-10 drops) on ants. White vinegar kills and repels the ants. Apple cider vinegar and water solution spray can also help. Clean the hard surfaces of your house vinegar.
- Baking soda and vinegar: Sprinkle some baking soda over the ant colony and spray white vinegar on top of it. It forms soda foam and kills off the colony.
- Baby powder: Sprinkle some baby powder across the ant’s trail.
What are the types of ants?
There are various ant species in the world. Many of them are present in field crops, feeding on seeds or leaves, whereas some species are predaceous. Here are some of the types of ants:
- Pavement ants
- Acrobat ants
- Thief ants
- Carpenter ants
- Odorous house ants
- Winged carpenter ants
- Argentine ants
- Mound ants
- Fire ants
- Pharaoh ants
How to prevent ants from invading into your property?
Following preventive actions may keep ants off your property and house:
- Check your roof for water damage under wooden tiles and chimneys, standpipes, and bathroom vents. Seal off cracks or gaps in window or door frames immediately.
- Clean the inside of your house thoroughly. Keep things as clean as possible. Store or keep the food sealed in airtight containers. A clean kitchen will discourage ants from entering the home.
- Manicure the lawn and maintain it regularly. Keep the landscaping plants trimmed away from the side of your house. Trim shrubs and other plants regularly, so they don’t come into contact with the house. Keep shrubbery plants away from the house.
- Fix the leaky faucets or any humidity issues inside the bathroom as soon as possible.
- Natural ant repellents such as cucumber, bay leaves, mint, cornmeal, water moat, coffee grounds, cinnamon, and lemon may keep ants from returning or discourage ants from coming in.
- Clean the pet bowls as soon as possible.
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References
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20050225/ants-can-cause-asthma-allergies
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fire-ant-stings
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fire-ant-stings
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