Eco-Friendly Ant Control

Ants are often used as an example to demonstrate the advantages of teamwork, but to most of us these little insects are nothing more than an irritation in the home. It seems like once they have invaded your home, they are almost impossible to get rid of.

Ants Everywhere

There are mainly three types of ant species found in cities:

Garden Ants are attracted to sweet foods and leave a pheromone trail back to their nests for others to follow.

Pharaoh’s Ants feed on decomposing food and carry harmful germs picked up from their feedings.

Fire ants are found in sunny spaces and sting animals and humans.

All of these ant species can be killed via pesticides and other poisonous products, but these are not only harmful to the environment but can also be poisonous to animals and children. Therefore, it is better to consider options that are more Eco-friendly and poison-free when you decide to start your battle against these busy insects.

Here are a few homemade solutions to keep the ants at bay.

Prevention better than cure

It may be easier said than done but do your best make your home unappealing to ants. Cover food, immediately clean up crumbs and spills, close your bun lid, do a daily counter wipe and seal all ant size access points.

Baby powder

Find ant nests and sprinkle baby powder over the nest and ‘scouts’ that are looking for food. Baby powder does not necessarily kill ants, but they dislike it so much that they will leave. Best of all, it isn’t toxic for kids and animals.

White Vinegar

Pour some plain white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on counters and on the ground around your house. The smell will evaporate as it dries.

Peppermint

Fill a spray bottle with water and add 10 to 15 drops of mint peppermint oil. Spray it in front of door openings and cracks to prevent ants from entering your home.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix a cup of water with a cup of apple cider vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the targeted surfaces several times a day with this mixture. Ants guide themselves with their scent and will naturally avoid these areas.

Red chilli powder

Make a red chilli paste by adding a little bit of water to the powder. Find the area where the ants are coming from and put paste in and over the ant holes.

Please note that none of these remedies will actually kill ants, they will only repel and keep them away for a while.