When ants start invading our kitchen and the rest of the areas of our house, it becomes a nightmare. We find them in our sugar jars and even in packets of nuts.
The invasion of bugs and insects increases in every household when it becomes summer. Let's find out how to get rid of ants from the house.
7 Steps to Get Rid of Ants
Step 1: Identify the ant
If you need to, take a picture of the ant and send it to your University to help you identify it and also to give you tips and solutions on how to get rid of it, including ways, methods, and which poison works best on them.
Step 2: Poison in their reach
Make sure that the ants can easily get their poison. Sprinkle it liberally in areas where they are seen the most.
Step 3: Do not kill them
Once you have sprinkled poison all over the place you have to wait for it to reach the entire ant population in your house. Squishing them only allows them to die without spreading the poison to their nest.
Step 4: Clean up their trails
Ants leave a scent behind which makes other ants follow their lead. Spray any pesticide or any other poison to kill the lead and also clean the trail using a solution of vinegar and water to mop the area.
Step 5: Check the yard
Ants usually live in hills or mounds in the open, which can be present in your yard. Spot the hill and spray insecticide on it. If the scale of the problem is really high, then you might consider spraying your lawn also with insecticide so as to wipe it out completely.
Step 6: Block the entry
Ants usually enter the house through gaps in the flooring, plants touching the walls of your house, etc… So fill in the gaps using plaster and even trim the plants leaning on your walls.
Step 7: Check for the nest
If you haven’t found the nest in your yard then it might be inside your house. Search below floorboards or in bathrooms etc… Wherever you find it, spray pesticide and destroy it, so as to prevent future infestation.
Additional Tips to kill ant trails:
Squirt lemon juice or vinegar on their trails.
Pour hot water over the trails and even in the nest
Use spices like bay leaf and cinnamon or even cloves to keep the ants away.
FAQs on Getting Rid of Ants
1. What is the fastest way to get rid of ants naturally?
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray directly on ants and entry points. Vinegar disrupts their scent trails instantly and repels them.
2. How do I stop ants from coming back?
Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and baseboards. Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food regularly. Store sugary or greasy foods in airtight containers to remove their food source.
3. Are homemade ant traps effective?
Yes. A simple mix of borax and sugar can act as an effective DIY ant trap. Ants take the sugary bait back to their colony, which helps eliminate the source.
4. What smells do ants hate the most?
Ants dislike the smell of citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, and cloves. Sprinkling these or using their essential oils along entry points can keep ants away naturally.
5. Is it safe to use chemical ant killers if I have kids or pets?
It’s best to use natural or non-toxic methods if you have children or pets at home. If you must use chemical sprays, keep them out of reach and follow the safety instructions on the label.
6. How long does it take to completely remove an ant infestation?
It depends on the size of the colony and method used. Small infestations may go away in a few days, but larger colonies may take weeks to fully eliminate. Consistency is key.
7. How do I get rid of ants in my kitchen without chemicals?
Clean counters with lemon juice or vinegar, place cucumber peels or coffee grounds near entry points, and vacuum regularly to break their scent trails.
8. Can ants damage my home?
While most household ants are just a nuisance, carpenter ants can damage wooden structures if left untreated. It’s important to identify the type of ant to act appropriately.
9. Does killing visible ants solve the problem?
No. Killing visible ants only removes workers. The colony and queen remain hidden. Using bait or targeted treatments works better to eliminate the colony.
