How do you get rid of ants the natural way?
- Prepare a white vinegar solution
- Try using peppermint
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth
- Remove food sources
- Eliminate the nesting sites
Let’s admit it, you dread having ants inside the house. Their bites are not only painful, but their colonies can cause property damage as well. With this, you might be wondering about how to get rid of ants naturally.
Ants are pests that have about 12,000 species scattered all over the world. While it’s true that only a small chunk of this can be identified as home invaders, there are some types you need to watch out for. Fire ants are aggressive and can cause painful bites. On the other hand, carpenter ants are responsible for structural damage.
Once ants take over your living spaces, they can be challenging to get rid of. This is especially true in areas where food is present. Luckily, we are here to suggest some helpful natural remedies to ensure there are no ants invading your house. Read on!
Prepare A White Vinegar Solution
You read it right. Ants absolutely hate white vinegar. This is because they cannot bear the strong scent that comes with it.
Prepare a white vinegar solution. Do this by mixing equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray your natural pesticide at entry points. Some of the most common entry points are windowsills and doorways. This will definitely stop ants from entering your household in the first place.
Try Using Peppermint
If you can’t seem to stand the smell of white vinegar, make use of peppermint. You can try planting mint around your household or use its essential oil version. As ants hate the smell of peppermint, it makes an effective and natural remedy for your infestation problems.
Simply mix ten drops of peppermint essential oil and two cups of water. Wipe the mixture in the suspected areas and let it dry.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Head to the nearest store and purchase a food-grade diatomaceous earth powder. It is a very effective pest killer that does not harm humans and even pets.
It’s comprised of tiny fossil shards known as diatoms. Once the ants walk over the diatomaceous earth, their bodies will dry out and break down. This happens because the microscopic sharp edges of the powder cut through the cuticles of ants’ exoskeletons.
Sprinkle a thin layer of the diatomaceous earth around baseboards, windowsills, and areas where you frequently see ants.
It would be wise to be cautious of inhaling diatomaceous earth. While it is not poisonous, the tiny particles can make it hard for you to breathe. In addition, store the powder in a dry place. It becomes ineffective when it gets wet. This also applies when the air is damp.
Remove Food Sources
Just like other pests, ants are devised to detect and seek out food sources. As we stated earlier, there are numerous ant species. Other species tend to prefer certain foods over others.
From sugary food, decaying sources of proteins, grass, to even other bugs – ants have quite a diverse diet. With that being said, the most obvious tip to getting rid of ants naturally is to remove their food sources.
Never make it easy for ants to munch on your food. Stop leaving out leftovers and wipe every spill on kitchen countertops. Store all your food items in tightly sealed containers as well. Never leave unwashed dishes in the sink overnight. Moreover, ensure that your trashcans have lids.
Ants are persistent creatures. To avoid infestations, it would be wise to keep your household clean and tidy all the time.
Eliminate the Nesting Sites
If it so happens that ants still swarm your household after the sprays and traps, you’ll have to look for their nest.
Observe where the trail of ants is leading to. Follow it as far as you can. Depending on the species you’re dealing with, you might find the ant nest inside your house, hidden on debris, or old vegetation.
No infestation is the same. To know about the kind of species you’re dealing with, seek out the help of professional pest control service providers. They are the ones who know how to properly take out ant nests and they will give you advice on the habits to avoid infestations as well.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to the question of how to get rid of ants naturally, follow the five tips stated above. Remember, if you have a severe infestation in your household that seems too much for you to handle, rely on the professional help of Topbest.
With years of experience in the industry, the Topbest team is the leading pest control service provider in the Philippines. Our team will effectively get rid of those pesky ants for you!
Click here to know more about our effective solutions today.
