Ants are beneficial insects that help with aerating the soil and spreading plant seeds in nature. However, this is not the case for the subfamily Monomorium pharaonis, or pharaoh ant. This ant is popularly an unwanted guest in households, where it breeds uncontrollably and spreads various diseases. We’ve put together a list of tips on how to get rid of these ants at home and in the garden, both naturally and chemically.
How to deal with ants? Follow the principles of prevention
Ants are attracted to sugars and rotting or loose foods. So the first tip to get rid of ants is to carefully follow basic hygiene rules. Make sure you don’t leave dried-on stains from drinks or fruit juice on the floor and always get rid of any rotting food in a timely manner.
A handy helper here are the resealable bowls in which you can store food. This will limit the accessibility of the food and prevent antsfrom getting the initial impulse to visit your house or apartment.
How to get rid of ants
If you have ants nesting in your kitchen or other room in your house or apartment, you have two choices to get rid of them. The first is to use chemicals or special traps that are designed for this purpose. The second option is the natural way, which involves the use of products that are common in the household.
For both cases, however, a single strategy applies – first, the ants need to be prevented from entering the house and then any ants already in the house need to be killed.
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Source: PixabayThe simplest solution is ant spray, which you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket. You spray the spray on the areas where ants are most likely to be found, thoroughly ventilate the room for toxic fumes, and wait for the ant to make contact with the treated area.
This method of getting rid of ants is more suited to the outdoors because of the aforementioned toxicity. However, it will serve just as effectively indoors, outside the kitchen. The spray not only kills the ants you spray with it, but also protects the affected area for a certain period of time. In this way, you will also get rid of ants that come into contact with the area after a few days.
How to get rid of ants with boric acid
An alternative to special ant sprays is boric acid. This is good to combine with sugar and water to mask its smell while increasing the chances of ants smelling the scent that will attract them. Mix the mixture to help get rid of ants as follows:
- Take a bowl and pour one large cup of warm water into it.
- Add half a cup of sugar to the warm water.
- Add a tablespoon and a half of boric acid to the mixture.
- Stir.
Apply the result along cracks in walls and to places where ants frequent. A dropper is recommended for application to get into harder to reach areas.
Be aware, however, that like sprays, this method of getting rid of ants is toxic. It is therefore not very suitable for households where smaller children and pets are present.
Anti-Ants Vaccine
Among the chemicals that will help you eradicate ants is Savo, which will etch them out. If you decide to go for a solution using Savo, apply it to ant holes and cracks. It will do the rest of the work for you.
Ants Trap
Another option to get rid of ants are ant traps. You can buy an ant trap in a drugstore or supermarket, just like in the case of a spray. It is sold either under the label of ant traps or ant buffet and ant gel.
The principle is the same in all cases, however. The ant trap acts as a bait that contains a substance that serves as an attractant to the ants. The ants then start to swarm towards it and carry pieces of the bait into the anthill. Here the trap has already done its job and, in addition to helping you kill the ants that are « on the prowl », it will also kill the queen and the larvae.
How to control ants without chemicals
If you are more into natural substances, you can also try some methods to get rid of ants without chemicals. To apply them, use products that are commonly found in the home or can be purchased at most grocery stores or drugstores.
A mixture of vinegar and water
The first way to control ants without chemicals is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. The smell of vinegar repels the ants. By applying it on the frequented places of ants, you can discourage them not only from your kitchen but also from your entire apartment. Just mix the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio.
Flax and essential oil
Another option is to use linseed and essential oil, from which you can make a natural ant spray. This will serve wherever you cannot choose the chemical route, but also in case you want to try natural methods to get rid of ants before chemicals.
The production of natural ant spray is as follows:
- Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl.
- Add 15 drops of peppermint oil.
- Add 3 drops of orange oil.
- Add ½ dcl of water.
- Add ½ dcl of vodka.
- Stir the mixture and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on window sills,cracks in walls and floors and treat any other places where ants may be present.
How to exterminate ants with lemon juice
Lemon is also an effective tool in fighting ants. You can use it in two ways. The first is by squeezing the juice and pouring it into a spray bottle. This will spray holes, cracks or crevices in the wall and in the
You can also mop the floor with a mixture of lemon juice and zest. Squeeze four lemons, stir in the lemon zest and two litres of water. The smell of lemon will again deter the ants and help you get rid of them.
Potted ants
Ants like to live in potted plants in addition to cracks in walls or the. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of them, try spring water. Use it to disinfect the pot. You can also pour the spring water into a spray bottle and spray it on the flowers themselves.
How to eradicate ants in the garden
The last tip on how to get rid of ants is also related to the exterminate ants in the garden. The procedure is quite simple:
- Find an anthill in your garden.
- Turn the pot upside down and place it somewhere in the middle of the anthill.
- Pour boiling water through the bottom hole of the pot.
Don’t leave the pot laying down, the hot water will kill off at least part of the anthill after a while.
