Ant infestations are common in many homes and can be a considerable nuisance. A colony of ants in your house may contaminate the food in the pantry and spread germs. Here are a few simple and cost-effective remedies to repel ants and get rid of them if they have already moved into your home.
1. Clean the House
One of the best ways to prevent ants from invading is maintaining a clean house and eliminating food debris. The kitchen is the room where most homeowners find ants because it offers proximity to an ample supply of food.
Keeping the kitchen clean is a strategy that will help you get rid of ants. Making sure there is no food available for them is the first step in deterring ants. To cut off their food supply, here are a few tips:
- Clean up crumbs using a broom or vacuum.
- Wash dishes immediately after use.
- Store food in bags that lock or sealed containers.
- Rinse dirty pet bowls.
- Clean kitchen surfaces and floors every day.
- Take out the trash.
- Store sweets, like maple syrup, honey, and sugar, in airtight containers.
2. Lemons Repel Ants
Some scents help to repel ants and other insects. Citrus fruits like lemon contain an extract that is unappealing to ants. Instead of throwing away lemon peels, turn them into an ant repellent to use around the house. Place lemon peels in a large glass jar and add water to the top of the container. Tightly seal the jar and set it aside for 3-5 days. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of dish soap.
Shake the mixture and spray it directly on the ants when you spot them. The lemon solution will destroy the scent of the ant trails and discourage insects from your home. Wipe surfaces and floors with lemon juice to mask the smell of food.
3. Identify the Source
Pinpointing the primary source of the ants and how they are entering your home will prevent an infestation and help you get rid of the ants in the house. If you locate the anthill outside, treat the area with an insecticide. Seal all entry points, cracks, and crevices around windows and doors.
4. Repel Ants Using Traps and Bait
If the ant problem persists, there are multiple types of baits and traps to get rid of them. Place the baits in areas where you have seen ant activity. They work by attracting the ants to them. The ants then eat the bait and take some back to their nests to share with the colony. Baits effectively kill the insects at the source.
If the above strategies fail, seek the help of a professional pest control company to get rid of ants in your home. They will be able to identify the ant species and effectively exterminate them.
AWP Home Inspections offers inspection services in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to request an appointment.