You can tell when summer rolls around as people start going, my house is spotless but all of a sudden… just how can I get rid of these blasted ants? “There is absolutely no reason to accept that you need to live with ants and share your home with them. Instead, you can choose from a variety of safe and natural methods that will get rid of ants and give you back your home and peace of mind.” Lynton Paddick
Lynton specialises in pest control in Australia (see not just a US issue) and bought into the Jim’s Pest Control franchise. He works on providing premium pest control services for clients and is a well trusted member of the community. Outside of work he walks the family dogs, goes for bike rides with the family, and enjoys life. So how can one get rid of those pesky little things, Lynton goes on….
Natural Tips On How To Get Rid Of Ants From Your Home
It is that time of year again where the weather warms up outside and the insects seem to be multiplying. This is also the time of year that people encounter issues with those same insects getting inside their homes. One of the most common pests to take up residence in a home are ants. These tiny little creatures can cause all kinds of havoc, damage, and create a large colony rather quickly.
If you have discovered that you have got a problem with ants taking over your home, and you are looking for a natural and safe way to get rid of them, then we have a few tips you can use. Keep in mind that ants can be stubborn and it may take a bit of time and persistence in order to get rid of them for good.
Crack Open the Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used for all kinds of things, including health issues, beauty, cleaning, and surprisingly enough, getting rid of ants. There are a few oils that are known to help keep ants at bay by messing up their scent trails. Without these scent trails to follow, the ants are unable to create a colony.
The essential oils that you will want to use are tea tree, peppermint, orange, clove, and lemon. No matter which oil you use, you will want to put a few drops of it on a cotton ball. Use this cotton ball to wipe any entry points and the baseboards. If ants are a problem in your cupboards, then you can always leave the cotton ball inside the cupboard. These all-natural oils are completely safe, should your child or family pet touch them or smell them.
If you find it easier to use, you can also create an essential oil spray. For this mixture you will need the following:
● 15 drops of peppermint and tea tree oil
● seven drops of citrus oil
● 1/4 cup vodka
● 1/4 cup purified water
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and you’ve got your very own ant spray.
The All-purpose Vinegar
When it comes to powerful items to have in your household, white vinegar is at the top of the list. It has many uses around the home, including make a very effective ant repellent. To create this spray, you will need to combine:
● 30 drops of essential oils (any of the ones listed above will work)
● 1/4 cup water
● 1/4 cup white vinegar
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and then spray your baseboards, cupboards, and any entry points.
Cinnamon
While you may love the smell of cinnamon and the warm memories it can invoke, ants do not agree. In fact, cinnamon acts as a wonderful ant repellent that can stop ants from entering the home altogether. As far as what kind of cinnamon to use, it is best to use cinnamon essential oil as it is easier to work with. One tip to keep in mind is that this technique should be used sparingly and only at points of entry or sources of ant infestation.
Baking Soda
If you are looking for a natural and safe way to bait ants, then baking soda is another great option. Baking soda damages an ant’s body and messes with their natural chemistry. In order to create the perfect ant bait, you will need to mix equal parts of baking soda along with powdered sugar. Next, you can pour the mixture into a container that is relatively shallow and place it somewhere the ants are bound to notice.
The way that this technique works is that the ants will carry the bait back to their nest and, as they eat the mixture, they will die.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is another safe and natural option that you can use to get rid of ants in your home. All you have to do is peel a few cloves of garlic and leave it near the ant colony. Ants hate the smell and will be climbing over each other trying to get away. Keep in mind that with this technique you will need to replace the garlic clove as it dries out.
