Introduction
Ants are tiny creatures that can cause a big problem in our homes. Whether it’s crawling on our kitchen counters or ruining our outdoor picnics, ants are pesky little pests that can be difficult to get rid of. Using chemical sprays and pesticides can be harmful to pets and children, and sometimes they are not effective in getting rid of the problem. In this article, we will explore natural and preventative solutions to keep ants out of your house.
5 Natural Ways to Keep Ants Out of Your House
Natural ingredients can be used to create a barrier that ants won’t cross. Here are 5 natural ways to keep ants out of your house:
- Vinegar:Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and vinegar to disrupt the ant’s natural scent trails. This will help to discourage ants from entering the house.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon around entry points and areas where ants have been spotted. Ants dislike the smell of cinnamon and will often avoid it.
- Peppermint Oil: Mix peppermint essential oil with water and spray around entry points to deter ants. The strong scent of peppermint oil can help to repel ants.
- Lemon Juice: Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and lemon juice. The acidic nature of lemon juice can disrupt ant’s scent trails, helping to keep them out of your home.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around entry points to create a barrier. Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can kill ants without harming pets or humans.
When using these ingredients, it’s important to use them sparingly and only in areas where ants have been spotted.
Preventative Measures to Keep Ants From Entering Your Home
One of the most effective ways to keep ants out of your house is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Ants can enter the house through the smallest cracks and crevices. Seal these areas with caulk or weather stripping to keep ants out.
- Remove Food Sources: Ants are attracted to food sources. Keep your countertops clean and store food in airtight containers. Be sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.
- Maintain a Clean House: A clean house is less likely to attract ants. Vacuum frequently and keep your floors clean.
- Trim Trees and Plants: Trees and plants touching the house can provide a bridge for ants to enter. Keep trees and plants trimmed away from the house.
- Other Preventative Measures: Consider using a natural ant repellent spray around the perimeter of your home. You can also place bay leaves or cucumber slices around your house to naturally repel ants.
Using Essential Oils to Keep Ants Away
Essential oils can be used to repel ants in a natural way. Here are some essential oils that can help:
- Tea Tree Oil: Mix 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with water and spray around entry points. Tea tree oil has strong antifungal and antiseptic properties that can repel ants.
- Lavender Oil: Mix 10-15 drops of lavender oil with water and spray around entry points. Lavender oil has a sweet scent that can repel ants.
- Peppermint Oil: Mix peppermint essential oil with water and spray around entry points to deter ants.
When using essential oils, it’s important to dilute the oils with water and use sparingly. Concentrated oils can be harmful to humans and pets.
DIY Ant Traps and Baits for a Pest-Free Home
You can create your own ant traps and baits using household ingredients. Here’s how:
- Borax and Sugar: Mix equal parts Borax and sugar in a shallow dish. Ants will be attracted to the sugar, but the Borax will kill them. Place these traps where ants have been seen.
- Lemon and Baking Soda: Mix equal parts lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste. Place the paste near entry points to deter ants.
When using these DIY traps, it’s important to place them in areas where pets and children can’t reach them.
Hiring a Professional to Keep Ants Away
If natural and preventative measures aren’t effective, you may need to consider hiring a professional pest control service. Here are some benefits of using a professional:
- Long-term solutions: A professional service can offer long-term solutions that are tailored to your specific ant problem.
- Safety: Pest control services use safe and effective methods to get rid of ants without harming pets and humans.
- Guarantee: Many pest control services offer a guarantee that they will get rid of the ant problem.
When hiring a pest control service, be sure to do your research and find a reputable company. Look for companies that use natural and safe methods to get rid of ants.
Conclusion
Ants can be a hassle to deal with, but with natural and preventative measures, it’s possible to keep them out of your home. Be sure to seal cracks and crevices, remove food sources, and maintain a clean home. Use natural ingredients like vinegar, cinnamon, peppermint oil, and lemon juice to create barriers that ants won’t cross. Try using essential oils like tea tree or lavender to repel ants. If all else fails, consider hiring a professional pest control service. Remember, with a little effort, it’s possible to have a pest-free home.
