If youโve ever spotted a trail of ants making their way across your kitchen counter, you know just how frustrating it can be when ants take an interest in your home. Youโre not alone; ants are one of the most frequent household pests for Long Island residents.
Before resorting to store-bought insecticides or hiringย professional ant control, many homeowners try natural solutions first. The results can vary depending on the method and the size of the infestation, but theyโre good to keep in mind.
Natural At-Home Ant Treatment Options
Finding an effective do-it-yourself method to manage ants can be tricky. If youโre wondering which natural treatments actually work, here are some common approaches to consider:
White Vinegar or Lemon Juice
White vinegar is a staple in most homes and doubles as an effective natural ant deterrent. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to countertops, entryways, and along visible ant trails. The strong scent interferes with their pheromone communication, which can disrupt their movements indoors. If youโd rather not use vinegar, lemon juice works in a similar way, and its acidity helps mask ant scent trails. Spray freshly squeezed lemon juice or a diluted mixture near baseboards, windows, and door frames to discourage ants from entering.
Borax Solution
Borax is a household cleaner that also works as an ant killer when consumed. Mix Borax with sugar, honey, or syrup and place small amounts near ant trails or nesting sites. The sugary bait attracts worker ants, who bring the toxic mixture back to their colony. Over time, this can help eliminate the entire colony, including the queen.ย To use borax safely, be careful to keep it away from children and pets.
Baking Soda and Sugar
Combining baking soda and sugar creates a simple, natural ant control solution. The sugar lures ants in, while the baking soda reacts with their digestive systems and becomes fatal once eaten. Set out small dishes of the mixture in areas with noticeable activity.
Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a fine, natural powder that kills ants through dehydration. Sprinkle it in corners, along baseboards, or anywhere you notice ant activity.ย Always ensure youโre using food-grade diatomaceous earth; itโs safe for both people and pets.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus, make excellent natural ant repellents. Add several drops to water in a spray bottle and mist doorways, windowsills, and other entry points. The powerful scent acts as a barrier that ants avoid. Clove oil can also be particularly effective; spray it directly into cracks and crevices where ants might nest.
Coffee Grounds
Instead of tossing out your used coffee grounds, repurpose them as an ant deterrent. Sprinkle them around the exterior of your home and near visible trails. The strong aroma interferes with their scent pathways, discouraging them from returning.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a simple, non-toxic way to control ants. Ants carry it back to their nest but are unable to digest it, which helps reduce the colonyโs numbers over time. Place small piles near entry points or along their trails.
Cinnamon
The warm, familiar scent of cinnamon may be pleasant to humans, but ants find it overwhelming. You can sprinkle ground cinnamon powder around baseboards, window sills, and other potential entryways to keep ants from entering your home. Another option is to use cinnamon essential oil, apply a few drops to cotton balls and place them near areas where you notice activity, or mix it with water and spray it directly along ant trails. For the best results, use a highly concentrated form of cinnamon oil, as stronger scents are more effective at disrupting ant communication and deterring infestations.
Dish Soap Mixture
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to eliminate ants is with a basic dish soap solution. Combine a few drops of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle and shake gently to mix. Spray the solution directly on ants and along their travel paths. The soap breaks down their protective outer coating, causing dehydration and eventually death. This method works best for quickly reducing visible ants, but should be paired with preventive measures to stop more from entering.
Chalk
Drawing a line of chalk near doorways and windows can create a temporary barrier. Ants often avoid crossing chalk because it interferes with their scent trails. This is only a short-term fix, but it can be useful to keep ants away while preparing for professional pest control.
Repellent Plants
Some plants naturally repel ants thanks to their strong fragrances. Adding herbs like mint, basil, and lavender around your homeโs entry points or in garden beds can create a natural barrier that ants avoid. You can also grow these plants in small pots indoors near windows or on kitchen counters where ants often appear. Their natural oils give off scents that mask ant trails and discourage them from setting up nests nearby, providing a chemical-free layer of protection.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound that works as a slow-acting poison against ants. When consumed, it damages their digestive and nervous systems, leading to death. To use it effectively, mix one part boric acid with three parts sugar and add a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply this mixture in areas where ants are active. The sugar attracts the ants, who then carry the bait back to their colony. Over time, it spreads through the nest, reaching and killing the queen, which helps stop the infestation at its source.
Professional Ant Control Solutions
Natural remedies can help with small, isolated infestations, but they often fail to address the root cause. If you continue to find ants even after trying these methods, itโs time to call in the experts. The licensed professionals at Arrow Exterminating have the tools and training to identify the source of the problem and implement a lasting solution.
If your DIY efforts arenโt enough to stop the infestation,ย contact Arrow Exterminatingย today for effective, professional ant control that keeps your home protected year-round.
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