Every year, homeowners face the daunting task of tackling ant problems outside their homes. Millions of ants invade gardens, decks, patios and foundations to ruin the aesthetic and comfort of the home. To combat this issue, many people resort to chemical solutions while others prefer home remedies to keep their homes ant-free. Here, we will provide an overview of how to prevent and tackle ant outside in the home with home remedies, by providing background information and perspectives from experts.
Different Species of Ants
It is important to understand different species of ants to properly adopt a home remedy for ant control. Commonly found outside homes are pavement ants, carpenter ants, big-headed ants and field ants. Pavement ants are dark brown to black and appear in driveways, sidewalks or patios within cracks, while carpenter ants are normally black and nest in wood, such as wooden decks, logs and stumps. Big-headed ants are brownish-black and prefer to nest outdoors in dirt or gravel, preferring wet soil. Finally, field ants are large, black and typically nest in mounds near buildings, driveways, walkways and gardens.
Basic Home Remedies for Ant Control
Once the species of ant is identified, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent and control them around the home. For example, preventing their entry into the home can be done by closing any small gaps around windows and foundation and keeping the doors closed. One of the most important aspects to ant control is daily cleaning. Keeping areas free of debris, dirt and food particles can help reduce the ant population. Also, sealing any food left out, particularly sweet or sugary snacks, will eliminate further ant infestation.
From a liquid-based solution, it is efficient to prepare a homemade one. Mixing 2 parts vinegar with 2 parts baking soda and 1 part dish soap creates an effective ant killer spray. The combination negates the ant’s ecosystem: the soap destroys the protective layer of their skin, the baking soda disrupts their ability to get oxygen, and the vinegar repels them. Furthermore, replacing sugary snacks with citrus fruits such as lemon and orange can be effective deterrents for ants.
Experts also recommend creating ant bait stations. This involves leaving out sugar water and boric acid traps; ants are drawn to the sugar and when they consume the sugar-boric acid mix, the boric acid poisons the ant, eventually killing it. These traps can be stored in places like a crack in the wall where the ants commonly reside.
Proper Maintenance & Prevention of Future Infestations
In addition to the initial home remedies for ant control, it is important to properly maintain the efforts to prevent future infestations. Trimming trees or plants away from the house, sealing any cracks or openings, and frequently spraying insecticide near the perimeter of the house can help reduce the chances of ants coming near the home.
On a larger scale, chemical insecticides can be used to treat ant hills around the home. Although insecticides should be avoided in areas that children or pets frequently go, pesticides are the most effective solution for ant hills located outside the home. It is important to note that professional help might be required for these treatments. As a result of spraying pesticides, certain ant species can resist the chemicals, which is why a chemical cocktail of two or three different pesticides is often recommended.
Baiting & Chemical Insecticides
Baiting involves using bait to attract the ants and then kill them with the aid of insecticides. Depending on the ant species, a sweet bait is left out mixed with a slow-acting insecticide. Once the ants take the bait, the insecticide is spread to the colony through the practice of trophallaxis, when worker ants feed other members of their colonies. This can be done by selecting a bait suited for the ant species and placing the bait with insecticide in areas that the ants encounter before they enter the home.
Finally, chemical insecticides are seen as a quick solution to ant infestations outside the home. There are many available in the market, including professional-grade insecticides or organic insecticides like neem oil. Neem oil is naturally derived from the seeds of the neem tree and sprayed around entry points or ant hills in an attempt to disrupt the ant’s food source and scent trails. On the other hand, professional-grade insecticides should be used with extra caution as they can cause harm to children and pets if it is not used properly.
Knowledge & Preparation
When finding ways to eliminate ant problems, it is important to do so in a safe, responsible manner. As a result, knowledge of the different species of ants, the most effective home remedy options, proper prevention tactics, and chemical insecticides are vital for successful ant control and prevention. By understanding the risks involved, a homeowner can prepare and anticipate future ant infestations and be well equipped with the necessary arsenal of weapons against these pesky creatures.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Experts cite numerous tips and tricks to properly tackle ant infestations outside the home. One such recommendation is to replace mulch annually instead of keeping it old and rotting, as mulch can often act as home and breeding area for ants. If a homeowner is unable to regularly maintain his or her yard, he or she can opt for low-maintenance plants that can help to add color and life around the home, while keeping away from ants. Additionally, placing plants that naturally repel ant such as bay leaves or mint near ant hills helps to deter ants from entering the home.
It is also important to create barriers against ants around the house. This can be done by sprinkling talc or powder around the window sills and doorways, or applying cypress mulch or cedar chips around the perimeter of the home or garden bedding. Lastly, experts suggest that if the problem persists, it might be time to call ant control specialists as they can accurately assess, prevent and treat ant infestations.
Alternative Solutions
In cases of severe ant infestations that cannot be eliminated by using home remedies, it is important to consider alternative solutions, such as introducing predators such as lizards or praying mantises. These animals are natural predators of ants and can help limit their population around the home. Other insecticides that can be used in lieu of weakened chemical variants are borate-based treatments and petroleum-based insecticides; these products can be sprayed around the foundation of the home. Additionally, for those looking for an all-natural repellent, a solution composed of one part vinegar and one part water can be used to repel the ants.
Conclusion
Overall, dealing with ant problems outside the home can be tricky and requires proper preparation and knowledge of ant species and the available home remedies and alternative solutions. While adapting to a specific home remedy, it is important to maintain upkeep and vigilance to prevent further infestations. With the outlined tips, homeowners can adopt safer, more sustainable solutions to manage ant colonies near his or her home.
