Ants: The Intruder
Every homeowner dreads them: ants. Whether it’s the small, red fire ant that seems to build its nest everywhere, or the little black kitchen ant, it’s likely that you have faced an ant invasion at least once in your life.
In some areas, ants can be more than an annoying nuisance, they may cause damage to home structures or spread disease. So, what can you do to naturally keep ants away without having to resort to harsh chemical treatments?
Ants Preferbage
Ants are drawn inside your home because of the abundance of food available to them. Ants will feed on a variety of things, almost anything sweet and most kitchen scraps.
Inspect around your home for any possible entry points for ants and make sure to seal them up. This may include around doors and windows, but also other entry points such as plumbing and cable lines.
Be sure to always keep your kitchen area clean, removing any food scraps. Avoid letting dishes pile up and always wipe down surfaces after preparing food. Don’t forget to wipe down any pet-feeding areas and vacuuming up any crumbs. This will make it difficult for ants to find nourishment inside your home.
Let Nature Help Nature
Certain plants’ oils and extracts may naturally repel ants. Some of the most popular plants to use are spearmint, peppermint and lemon balm, or even mixing a combination of the three. Make a solution by crushing the leaves of the plants, mixing it with water, and placing it near ant entry points. This can prevent them from entering your home and looking for food.
Keep in mind, however, that you will need to reapply the mixture periodically. This is because the active chemicals, otherwise known as essential oils, will “evaporate,” making them less effective against ants.
Know The Enemy
It is important to note that different species of ants may require different strategies in order to keep them away from your home.
The most common species found in homes are odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants. These types of ants may differ in size and color but it is good to understand and identify the different species in order to properly come up with a plan to keep them away.
Natural Enemies
Another great way to naturally keep ants away is by introducing some of their natural predators. The most common organism to use is the nematode.
These are tiny worms that are harmless to humans and animals but target certain ant species. As long as the environment is conducive to their growth, nematodes are very effective in keeping your ant problem at bay without having to resort to chemical treatments.
It is also beneficial to introduce other predatory insects such as ground beetles. These beneficial insects can be found in various nurseries and garden centers and can help control your ant problem in the long run.
Herbal Repelant
You can also make a solution of essential oils mixed with water which can be sprayed around your doors, windows, and other entry points of your home. The best essential oils for this solution are lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
Add about 5-10 drops of each essential oil to a cup of water and then add that to a spray bottle. Spray around the entry points of your home and inside the cracks or any other potential hideouts of the ants to deter them from entering your home.
Ants Outside the Home
A key part of keeping ants away is by understanding the ant species and the environment they are living in. If you are having an invading ant problem in your backyard, it is a good idea to understand the ant species and their natural habitats.
Removing piles of leaves and watering certain trees can also help, as ant colonies often live in damp soil. Keeping your garden clean and neat is a great line of defense against ants and other pests.
Minimize Food for Ants
Ants can quickly be attracted to food crumbs and leftovers, so it is best to clean up after eating.
Any pet food should be stored in airtight containers, and all kitchen countertops should be wiped down with a diluted cleaning solution to remove any food debris from spilling over from cooking or eating.
Additionally, ensuring that all sink and counter edges are clear of any dirt or food particles will actually help keep ants away as well.
Try Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth, a powdered fossilized algae, is a great way to naturally keep ants away.
Sprinkle some powder along the ant entry points and any areas where they are known to gather and this will work as a physical barrier to stop them from entering your home.
Diatomaceous earth works by lacerating the ants’ exoskeleton, which causes them to dehydrate and die.
It can be very effective, just be sure not to get it near any food, as it is not safe for consumption.
Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar Mixture
Another great way to naturally keep ants away is by creating a powder made out of baking soda and powdered sugar.
Mix together equal parts of both ingredients and sprinkle the powder in any areas where the ants may be coming into your home or near their trails.
The sugar should attract the ants, while the baking soda will produce a reaction in the ants which will repel them and stop them from entering your home.
Use Citrus Peels
Citrus peels, such as orange and lemon, are great at keeping ants away. The scent of citrus is very strong and it has a repellent effect on ants.
Simply take the peels and scatter them around the entry points of your home and anywhere else you may need to ward off these intruders.
This can work as an excellent deterrent, but remember the peels will need to be refreshed every three to four days to remain effective.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is also a great naturally safe way to ward off ants. Vinegar has many natural properties that are known to repel ants.
You can create a vinegar solution with water and spray it around the entry points of your home and any areas where you see ants or an ant trail.
You may need to re-spray the solution periodically, as it will eventually evaporate and become less effective.
