Summertime has a way of bringing out the pests. Ants brave the warmer weather and march right into the house, where they do not belong, eating their way into cupboards and ruining foods. Fortunately, for those suffering from ant infestation problems, there are simple home ant control remedies. Chances are good you even have what you need in the cupboard!
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great product with a whole host of uses around the house. When looking to get rid of ants, spray counters down with white vinegar and let them dry. Ants hate vinegar and will not go near the stuff. Vinegar is completely non-toxic and so is not harmful for children or animals. Be sure to only use white vinegar as other vinegars could have the reverse affect and actually attract more ants. Ants also dislike apple cider vinegar, but it’s a good idea to keep the specialty vinegars in the cupboard; plain old white vinegar should do the trick.
Baby Powder
You and your baby may love it, but ants absolutely hate it! Look for spaces where ants are coming into the house and sprinkle the area with a little bit of baby powder. Any type of baby powder will work for keeping ants at bay. This can make a big mess if not done carefully, but like vinegar baby powder is completely non-toxic.
Peppers
Like baby powder, ants won't go near any form of pepper. Sprinkle pepper in windowsills, around doors, in cabinets, and where ants are coming into and going out of the house. This remedy is excellent for all homes because it is non-toxic and everyone has a pinch or two of pepper on hand. Black, white, or red pepper all work for this purpose.
Cinnamon Sticks & Bay Leaves
Because ants see with their sense of scent, sharp spices are often another good, non-toxic choice for riding the house of ants. Place cinnamon sticks or bay leaves in windowsills and cabinets to deter ants. They do not like either scent and will likely keep away.
Coffee Grounds
Sprinkling used coffee grounds outside the house will repel ants; it will also repel neighborhood cats! In the garden, along the driveway or sidewalks, and around the foundation of the home are all good choices for coffee grounds.
Soaps
Mixing borax with syrup is a quick and easy home remedy for ridding the home of ants. The mixture harms their digestive system and results in death. This is a relatively non-toxic mixture, but take care that animals and children do not eat it as it could cause sickness. Another recommended soap mixture is ivory soap and warm water. Spray counters, allow to dry, and wipe counters down with a clean cloth. Germs in sponges attract ants, so get rid of old sponges.
Mothballs
Great for getting rid of moths, mothballs are despised by all form of pests. Mice and ants will avoid mothballs. Anyone looking to use this measure should be aware that mothballs are highly toxic and should be avoided around food, animals, and children.
Try these ant control methods in your house, but be aware that not all of these measure will work with all types of ants.
Kristyn Hammond - A freelance professional since 2007, Kristyn Hammond has both her BA & MA in English from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX.
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