Living in warm and humid climates is a breeding ground for pests. You may have noticed that infestations of ants have become an everyday occurrence inside your car. Ants are generally harmless but they can be annoying, especially if they crawl all over your gear, food and clothes when in the car. Sugar ants are the most common type of household ant that can be found in cars.
These small black ants gather around sweet foods and have the ability to enter even the smallest of spaces. Though they do not cause physical harm, the constant ‘visits’ by the sugar ants is a nuisance. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Locate The Source
The first step to getting rid of sugar ants from your car is to look for the source of the infestation. Search for ant nests and try to find out where the food is coming from. If you can determine the entry points of the ants, you can block them off using a sealant around the area.
Clean Your Car
Sugar ants enter searching for food and water, so keeping your car clean is essential. Greasy and sticky surfaces will only attract the ants even more. It is important to vacuum the entire car, paying attention to tight spaces and crevices. You should also use a wet cloth to clear up any traces of spilled sugary food or drinks.
Use Ant Bait
Ant bait can be a good way to control the ant population in your car. Ant baits contain an active ingredient that attracts the ant and that can eventually exterminate the colony. Disposing of the ant bait near the entry points of the car can be very effective in getting rid of the sugar ants.
Try Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies that can help to get rid of sugar ants from your car. Sprinkling sage, peppermint or lemon under your car seats can help to keep the sugar ants away from your car. Cinnamon also has a strong smell and it will help to keep the ants away from your car.
Proper Storage
To keep your car ant-free, it is important to properly store the food and drinks. Keeping food in air-tight containers when not in use will prevent the sugar ants from making their way inside your car.
Keep Away From Moisture
High levels of moisture can make cars a great environment for ants colonies to live. It is important to ensure that your car is kept dry and free of puddles to prevent any further infestations.
How To Get Rid Of Sugar Ants In Your Home
Sugar ants are a common problem in homes, but they can be difficult to get rid of due to their size and agility. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of sugar ants from your home:
Clean Up Messes
The first step to getting rid of sugar ants is to clean up any messes. Make sure to clean crumbs and spills as soon as possible. Even the smallest of crumbs can attract the ants and cause an infestation.
Seal All Openings
Sugar ants can fit into even the smallest of cracks and openings, so it is important to seal these off. Use caulk or foam to block off any possible entry points from the outside of your home.
Use Bait Traps
Using bait traps is a great way to get rid of sugar ants in your home. You can purchase store-bought bait traps or you can make your own by combining baking soda and sugar water. Once the ants are trapped, you can dispose of them.
Sprinkle Cinnamon & Borax
Cinnamon and borax both have strong odors that can repel sugar ants. Sprinkle both substances in the areas where ants have been spotted and this should help ward them off.
Place Peppermint In Paths
Peppermint has a strong smell that the sugar ants hate. Place peppermint leaves or lockets in their paths and this should keep them away.
How To Get Rid Of Sugar Ants In Your Garden
Sugar ants can be a common problem in gardens and can damage some of your vegetables or flowers. Here are some tips on how to get rid of the sugar ants in your garden:
Cut Off Their Food Supply
Most of the time, the sugar ants will be attracted to sweet foods. If you remove these, the ants will no longer be attracted to your garden. Make sure to remove any fruit or vegetables that may be attracting them.
Crush The Ants
If you want to get rid of the sugar ants in your garden quickly, you can simply crush them. This may not be the most pleasant option, but it can be effective.
Lay A Toxic Barrier
You can create a toxic barrier in your garden that will kill the sugar ants as soon as they come across it. Use a mixture of insecticidal soap and water and spread it around your garden.
Place Natural Ant Repellent
There are some natural ant repellents that can help to keep the sugar ants away. Sprinkle Clove, Peppermint, Sage and Cinnamon powder in your garden to keep the sugar ants away.
Check For Ant Nests
Make sure to check for any ant nests in your garden. If you find any, use insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
How To Prevent Sugar Ants From Entering Your Car
Sugar ants can be a major annoyance in cars. Here are some tips on how to prevent sugar ants from entering your car:
Clean Regularly
Keeping your car clean and free of any food debris is key to preventing sugar ants from entering. Make sure to regularly vacuum the interior of your car, paying attention to tight spaces and crevices.
Store Food Properly
Food is an attractant for sugar ants. Make sure to keep any food and drinks in airtight containers when not in use. This will prevent the sugar ants from entering your car in search of food.
Use A Sealant
If you can locate the entry points of the sugar ants, you can use a sealant to block them off. This should prevent further infestations.
Place Natural Repellents
There are some natural repellents that can help to keep the sugar ants away. Place Sage, Peppermint leaves, Clove and Cinnamon powder near the entry points of your car and this should help ward them off.
Use Boric Acid Powder
Boric acid powder can be an effective way to keep the sugar ants away from your car. Sprinkle the powder near the entry points and this should deter any pests from entering.
How To Identify Different Types Of Ants In Your Car
Identifying different types of ants in your car is important in order to know how to best deal with your infestation. Here is how to identify some common ants in a car:
Sugar Ants
Sugar ants are small black ants that are attracted to sweet foods. These ants have the ability to fit into even the smallest of cracks and openings.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are larger than most other ants, so they are easier to identify. They have a black or reddish-black coloration and they have curved mandibles.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants are small ants with a light brown or black coloration. They have an unpleasant smell when crushed and they are attracted to sweets.
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are very distinctive with their heart-shaped abdomen. They can range from light yellow to dark brown in color and they are very agile.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants have an unevenly shaped thorax and they are able to climb smooth surfaces. They are typically dark brown in color and they are attracted to food sources.
