Ants can be a huge and unwelcome nuisance when you find them in your kitchen!
The last time I had an ant attack, I found myself vacuuming them up in utter panic. But of course they came back and there seemed to be even more of them.
Little did I know that there are much more effective ways to go about getting rid of them.
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Why do ants behave like they do?
Knowing what motivates an ant can go a long way to helping us to eliminate them once and for all.
Ant colonies are organized in a very specific way. The queen ant is the leader and is responsible for reproduction. Worker ants take care of the nest, gather food, and protect the colony. Some colonies also have soldier ants, which are larger and defend against threats.
Each colony can have thousands of ants.
They communicate through pheromones, which are chemical signals. This allows them to share information about food sources and dangers. When you see ants marching in a line, they are following a pheromone trail to food.
Ants are often drawn to certain foods. Sugar, protein, and fat are their favorites. Sweet items like fruit, honey, and candy can quickly attract them. They also love grease and oils, so food left around can quickly lead to an ant invasion in your home.
Ants can smell food from quite a distance. Even tiny crumbs or spills can invite them in.
To reduce the risk of an ant invasion, clean your kitchen regularly and store food in airtight containers.
How to repel ants naturally
Using common household items can be very effective at repelling ants from your home without the need for harmful chemicals.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful ant repellent. It disrupts the scent trails ants use to navigate.
To make your vinegar solution:
- Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray this solution around doorways, windows, and any areas where you see ants.
Reapply the mixture regularly.
Essential Oils
Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lemon are particularly effective.
You’ll find that the strong fragrance keeps ants at bay.
- Mix 10–15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray along baseboards, entry points, and ant trails.
Make sure to reapply the oils every few days or as needed, plus it has the added bonus of making your home smell gorgeous.
If you have pets, do be careful with essential oils, as they can have an adverse effect on them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from tiny fossilized aquatic organisms. It works by damaging the exoskeleton of ants, leading to dehydration and death. It is safe for pets and humans but effective against pests.
- Sprinkle a thin layer around areas where you’ve seen ants.
- Reapply after heavy rain or cleaning.
How to control the ant colony at its source
I recommend repelling the ants with the methods above. But if you are still struggling, you can control the ant colony by laying bait that they take back to the nest, and thus reduce their number that way.
Here are two popular recipes:
Boric Acid Baits
Boric acid is a safe and effective way to control ants. Ants will carry it back to their colony, which helps eliminate the whole nest.
Here’s how to create your ant bait with boric acid:
- Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of boric acid
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1.5 cups of water
- Combine the sugar and boric acid in water. Stir until well dissolved.
- Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them in small containers near ant trails.
You may need to experiment with the mixture. If the ants aren’t attracted to the containers at first, try using less boric acid.
Keep this bait away from kids and pets.
Sugar and Baking Soda Mix
Another simple recipe uses sugar and baking soda.
This combination attracts ants and helps get rid of them.
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- Blend the sugar and baking soda together in a bowl.
- Sprinkle small amounts near ant trails and entry points.
The sugar draws ants in, while the baking soda disrupts their digestive system.
How to stop ants from coming into your home
Here are some tips that can help you maintain an ant-free space:
1. Clean Up Food Crumbs
Ants are attracted to food. Wipe down surfaces and sweep floors regularly. Don’t leave food out, and use airtight containers for leftovers.
2. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for tiny openings. Seal cracks in walls, around windows, and doors. Use caulk or weather stripping to keep ants from entering.
3. Manage Indoor Plants
Sometimes, ants come in with plants. Check your potted plants for ant activity. If you find any, consider repotting them in ant-free soil.
4. Reduce Moisture
Ants are drawn to water. Fix leaky faucets and clean up spills right away. Ensure good drainage in your yard to keep ants outside.
5. Regular Outdoor Maintenance
Trim any overgrown plants near your home. Keep firewood and debris away from your house.