Dog sees ants eating dog food

The Problem with Ants 

Ants are notorious for their daily quests for food and water, leaving behind scent trails to guide the rest of their colony to anything they find. This teamwork can lead to rapid infestations. For pet owners, dealing with ants can be challenging, as many conventional pest control methods rely on chemicals that are hazardous to pets. Fortunately, there are pet-friendly options that effectively eliminate ants without putting your furry friends at risk. This guide highlights a variety of safe and effective strategies to manage ant infestations while prioritizing your pets’ well-being.

Natural Remedies to Eliminate Ants

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils provide a natural and efficient method for keeping ants at bay. Fragrances like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus disrupt ants’ scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate back into your home.

How to Use:

  • Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil (e.g., peppermint) with 1 cup of water.
  • Add a teaspoon of dish soap to help the mixture stick to surfaces.
  • Spray the solution along ant trails, entry points, and areas where ants are active.

This pet-friendly ant repellent can be reapplied as needed to keep ants away effectively.

2. Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is a powerful and pet-safe solution for repelling ants. Similarly to essential oils, the strong smell disrupts scent trails, which makes navigation more difficult.

How to Use:

  • Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the mixture directly on ants and along their trails.
  • Wipe down surfaces with the solution to remove residual scent trails and deter ants from returning.

3. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural and non-toxic powder derived from the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic creatures. While safe for humans and pets, it is highly effective in eradicating ants and other pests by dehydrating them through the absorption of their body oils.

How to Use:

  • Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth near entry points, along ant trails, and in areas where ants are frequently spotted.
  • Reapply as needed, especially after cleaning or if the powder becomes damp.

4. Baking Soda and Sugar

This approach takes advantage of ants’ attraction to sugar and the abrasive qualities of baking soda to eliminate them effectively.

How to Use:

  • Combine equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar.
  • Distribute the mixture in shallow dishes or lids and place them near ant trails.
  • The ants will transport the mixture back to their colony, ultimately addressing the infestation at its source.

Baking soda is generally safe for pets in small quantities, making it a pet-friendly option. However, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid unnecessary exposure.

While natural solutions such as essential oils, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and baking soda can help control ants, they typically only provide temporary results. For long-lasting protection, pairing these methods with professional pest control services can ensure the complete removal of ants and prevent future infestations. If you’re facing a persistent ant issue, consider reading over our ant extermination page for more information. 

Keep Pet Food Safe

Creating a barrier around your pet’s bowl is a simple, yet effective way to keep ants away from their food. One option is to place the food dish in a shallow tray filled with water, as ants are unable to cross the water barrier. Another strategy is to apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the base of the bowl to create a slippery surface that ants cannot walk across.

Maintaining cleanliness in feeding areas is another essential step to keep ants at bay. Clean up any spilled food or crumbs immediately, and store pet food in sealed, airtight containers to make it less attractive and accessible to ants.

Using ant-resistant containers is another reliable solution. These specialized containers are designed to protect dry pet food from ant infestations. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed after each use to maintain complete protection.

Managing Outdoor Ant Removal

There are several pet-safe methods to remove ants from your yard. One highly effective approach is to pour hot water into the nest, if you can locate it. Carefully pour boiling water directly into the nest’s entrance, repeating the process as necessary until the colony is eliminated.

Another natural solution is to use citrus peels, such as orange or lemon, to deter ants. Blend the peels with water to form a paste, then apply it around ant nests and entry points. The strong citrus scent disrupts their scent trails, making navigation difficult for them.

Cinnamon is also a great pet-friendly option for repelling ants. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around ant nests or along the perimeter of your yard. Reapply after rain or watering to maintain its effectiveness.

Using Borax Safely

Borax is a popular option for eliminating ants, but it can be harmful to pets if ingested. To use borax safely, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect your furry friends.

Borax Usage:

  • Mix one part borax with three parts powdered sugar.
  • Place the mixture in a container with small openings that allow ants to enter but keep pets out.
  • Position the container in pet-inaccessible locations, such as elevated surfaces or beneath cabinets.

This method effectively eliminates ant colonies while ensuring the borax remains out of reach of your pets. If these placement options don’t suit your needs, feel free to contact our team for an inspection and information about your options.

When to Reach Out for Assistance

If ants refuse to leave your home despite your efforts with pet-friendly solutions, the professionals at Arrow Exterminating are here to provide reliable, long-term relief. Our skilled technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection of your property to pinpoint the source of the infestation and identify the ant species involved. We focus on problem areas, looking for every detail to trace entry points, feeding sites, and trails to locate nests.

To address the issue, we employ a range of targeted treatment options. This may include applying insecticide sprays or powders in hard-to-reach areas, like cracks and crevices, where they pose no risk to your pets. Another effective method is ant baiting, where worker ants carry the bait back to their colony, tackling the infestation at its core. Our treatment strategies are customized to suit the ant species and the severity of the problem.

In addition to treatment, we emphasize prevention with exclusion techniques. These may involve trimming vegetation close to your home and sealing gaps, cracks, and other entry points to stop ants from re-entering.

For long-term results, we also provide personalized prevention tips to help you maintain a pest-free environment. Our experts will equip you with strategies to protect your home from future infestations. If you’re ready to secure your property and eliminate ants for good, contact us today for professional assistance.

Back to Ant Exterminators – Control – Removal

Pet-Friendly Ant Control Strategies Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

Richmond | Kings | Nassau County | Suffolk County