An ant infestation isn’t the worst pest problem in the world because the majority of ants found in the home cause no real harm. The good news is that only a few of the more than 1,000 or so classified species of ants are likely to seek refuge in homes, and even fewer are likely to sting or cause damage.
Ants scurrying around the house are however very annoying, and they can sometimes spread harmful bacteria. Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) can cause damage to your home by burrowing through wood structural elements.
Because of how annoying an ant infestation can be, controlling them should be done intentionally. Here are six natural and yet effective ways to deal with an ant infestation.
- MINT
Peppermint is an effective natural insect repellent. Plant mint around your house or use peppermint essential oil as a natural ant control remedy. Ants despise the smell, and your home will smell minty fresh as a result! Plant mint around your home’s entryways and around the perimeter. Wipe suspected areas with a cotton ball and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. You can also use a peppermint oil cotton ball in areas where ants congregate, such as cabinets.
2. VINEGAR
In a spray bottle, combine a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe them up with a damp paper towel and throw them away. You can also use vinegar and water as a repellent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways, and other areas where you see ants entering.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, like vinegar, appears to destroy the scent trails that ants follow. As an all-purpose spray, make a solution of 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water. Spray the lemon solution around your home’s entryways and the perimeter, as well as any areas where you see ants.
4. CINNAMON
Cinnamon is an excellent ant-killing agent. An ant suffocates and dies after inhaling cinnamon. Ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on the ants’ path or around an anthill opening. Cinnamon essential oil is also effective at repelling ants. Spray ant trails, around doors, windows, and cracks with a few drops of cinnamon oil mixed with water.
5. CAYENNE PEPPER OR BLACK PEPPER
Ants despise cayenne pepper. Black pepper will also work just as well. Locate the source of the ant infestation, sprinkle some pepper around it, and, if possible, build a wall to keep the ants out of your home. Another option is to combine pepper and water and spray the resulting solution at the ants. The pepper will not kill the ants, but it will keep them away.
6. FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is also an effective ant repellent. This powder is the fossilized remains of phytoplankton from the sea. DE’s microscopic razor sharp edges can cut through the ants’ exoskeletons, gradually drying out their bodies.
1.Sprinkle a thin layer of DE on windowsills, beneath the refrigerator, under cabinets, in and around garbage cans, and anywhere else you see ants.
2.Repeat once daily until all the ants are gone.
If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, seek professional assistance. We however believe that these listed remedies will be enough to combat ant infestation in your home.
