If you’ve got one ant, you could potentially have thousands, PBS-TV’s Graham Haley shows you how to take control of your ant problems.
Are you tired of dealing with pesky ant problems in your home? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some effective solutions from Haley’s Hints to help you eliminate ants and keep them from coming back. These solutions are both natural and safe for your family and pets. Let’s dive in:
1. Cinnamon: Ants dislike the strong scent of cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon powder near entry points and areas where ants frequent. You can also create a cinnamon barrier by soaking cotton balls in cinnamon essential oil and placing them along windowsills and doors.
2. White vinegar: Ants leave scent trails for other ants to follow. Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to erase these trails. Additionally, spraying a vinegar solution directly on ants disrupts their communication and discourages them from returning.
3. Lemon juice: Similar to vinegar, the strong smell of lemon juice disrupts ant trails. Squeeze fresh lemon juice along their pathways or wipe surfaces with a lemon juice solution. This can also be effective at deterring ants from outdoor areas like patio and garden.
4. Borax and sugar mixture: Create a homemade ant bait by mixing equal parts borax and sugar. The sugar attracts the ants, and the borax acts as a poison that they will carry back to their nest, eliminating the entire colony. Place the mixture in small containers near ant trails but keep out of reach of children and pets.
5. Mint: Mint has a strong scent that repels ants. Plant mint around the perimeter of your home or sprinkle dried mint leaves near entry points. You can also make a mint-infused spray by boiling fresh mint leaves in water, straining the liquid, and spraying it around areas with ant activity.
6. Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth, a natural powder made from fossilized algae, along ant trails and entry points. The tiny particles of diatomaceous earth are abrasive to insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and ultimately killing them. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to ensure safety around pets and kids.
7. Seal cracks and gaps: Ants can find their way into your house through small cracks and gaps. Inspect your home for any openings and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. By eliminating entry points, you can prevent new ant infestations. Remember, persistence is key when dealing with ant problems. It may take a combination of these solutions and some time to completely eliminate the infestation. Implementing good sanitation practices, such as keeping your kitchen clean and food properly stored, can also help prevent future ant problems.
