Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Little Red Ants
Many of us have encountered little red ants in our homes, but how can we get rid of them? The answer is to use natural remedies that are available in your own kitchen. These methods will be cheaper, safer, and surprisingly effective in eliminating little red ants from your home.
Getting rid of the ants starts with knowing where they are coming from. These ants are known for their habit of invading houses from outside in search of food or water. To make sure they do not come back, inspect around your house and seal any potential entry points. In addition, you can place ant baits as a way of getting rid of them before they even enter your home.
The next step involves using various natural methods to get rid of the little red ants. One of the most popular and effective methods is using white vinegar. Simply mix one part of white vinegar and one part warm water and spray the solution where you have seen the ants. The vinegar solution should both kill the ants and get rid of any pheromones they’ve left behind that could encourage other ants to come.
Another good solution is using lemon juice. Lemon juice is a great repellent and can be used to clean all areas where the ants have been seen. Dilute the lemon juice in warm water and spray it wherever you’ve seen the ants, paying special attention to those entry points.
You can also sprinkle salt around your doors, windows and in the areas where you’ve seen the ants. Salt can be used to dehydrate the ants and force them to search for a different place to survive. Alternatively, you can combine peppermint essential oil, vinegar and water to discourage the ants from visiting your house.
Finally, ant traps are an effective way of getting rid of the little red ants. A mixture of boric acid, powdered sugar and corn syrup can be used as bait in the traps. The ants will be attracted to this mixture, consume it and eventually cause their death. Make sure to place the traps in hard to reach places where children and pets cannot access them.
Non-chemical Repellents
Although ants can be a nuisance, they can be controlled without the need to use poison. In fact, there are various natural, non-chemical repellents such as spices, plants, and even certain smells that are known for their ant-repelling effects.
Spices such as cinnamon, black pepper and cayenne pepper are known for their strong smell and taste, and can be used as ant-repellents. Sprinkle a combination of these spices in any area where you’ve seen the ants or even around the foundation of your house to ensure that they avoid entering into your home. Furthermore, ants are known to be repelled by certain smells. Oils such as peppermint, citronella and tea tree are especially effective as ant repellents as they drive away ants.
In addition, certain plants have been known to repel ants. Lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus and chrysanthemums are especially effective when it comes to fighting off the ants. Consider planting these plants around your house, as they will not only make your home look aesthetic, but also act as natural ant-repellents.
These natural methods are cheap, easy and safe to use, thus avoiding potentially harmful chemical products. It is important to note that the success of these methods depends on consistency and regular use. If done correctly, these methods will result in effective ant-control without the need to apply chemical treatments.
Sanitation
Sanitation is also an important aspect when it comes to eliminating little red ants. First of all, make sure that you clean up any food or water that is spilled or left on surfaces, as ants will be attracted to them. Secondly, inspect your kitchen cupboards and other food storage areas, as they may contain small crumbs and other food residue which the ants may be attracted to.
Thirdly, dispose of any bags containing food left in plain sight, as ants can easily find a way into them. Similarly, keep garbage cans and compost bins sealed, as this will reduce the chances of the ants getting attracted to them. Finally, rinse used food containers, such as cans, bottles or jars before disposing them, as this will also prevent them for foraging for food and water.
Preventive Measures
The best way to get rid of ants is to take preventive measures that will stop them from entering your home in the first place.
Make sure to caulk any gaps, cracks and crevices around your door and windows, as this will act as a seal that will prevent the ants from entering. In addition, consider placing ant-repelling plants such as lavender around your foundation as this will stop them from entering. Furthermore, consider trimming any trees or shrubs that are close to your house, as the branches can act as bridges, allowing the ants to easily access your home.
If you have a garden, make sure to keep it clean and well maintained. Store any outdoor supplies, such as grills and garden tools, in a sealed and protected place. In addition, ensure that there is no food left in the open, as this will only attract the ants. Furthermore, make sure to keep compost and fertilizers away from your garden, as this will also prevent the ants from accessing your home.
Professional Services
Knowing how to get rid of little red ants is essential. However, some serious ant problems may require professional help from pest control services. The professionals will be able to inspect your property, identify the root of the ant infestation and take necessary action to get rid of the ants. They can also advise you on the best way to treat your home and surrounding areas to stop the ants from returning.
As always, it is important to determine the cause of the ant infestation before trying to get rid of them. Professional exterminators can help you identify the source of the problem, thus avoiding a recurrence of the ant infestation. Furthermore, speaking to an exterminator can help you determine which type of ant is infesting your home, as this will determine the best course of action.
Conclusion
Little red ants can be a nuisance but, fortunately, it is possible to get rid of them. Natural remedies such as white vinegar, lemon juice, salt and peppermint essential oil are all effective in controlling ant infestations. In addition, preventive measures such as caulking entry points and trimming plants, as well as regular sanitation, can help you stay on top of ant infestations. If all else fails, consider seeking professional help from pest control services.
