Chemical Reactions
When it comes to repelling ants naturally, the chemical makeup of some natural oils and herbal extracts can prove to be an effective way of discouraging and driving them away. In particular, peppermint, clove, and cinnamon are all known to contain natural compounds which, when powerful enough, can act as a repellent and disrupt the flow of communication between the ants, thus preventing them from nesting. Similarly, cinnamon specifically is known to have a sweet smell, making it attractive for ants, but when the concentration is strong enough, it can cause the ants to suddenly scatter and flee due to the overpowering smell.
Food Alternatives
Switch up the food you provide your ants as another natural and effective approach to repelling them. You can even use certain food-based solutions to your advantage such as spraying white vinegar or citrus around certain areas of your home or mixing lemon juice or eucalyptus oil with water and spraying it around. As these elements are completely natural and non-toxic, they are the perfect option for homes containing pets or children, as their safety is not compromised. Furthermore, ant traps containing borax and sugar or peanut butter can provide with similarly effective results.
Essential Oils
Another natural remedy for repelling ants is highly concentrated essential oils. Commonly utilized essential oils such as tea tree, cedarwood, and lavender are largely known for their powerful fragrances and proven insect repellent properties. Simply mix five to six drops of these into a cup of water, adding more if needed, and spray it in areas where ants have been detected. Not only will it effectively repel the ants but will also leave the area smelling clean and fresh.
Preventive Measures
For more permanent and natural solutions, preventive measures can be set in motion, such as sealing any gaps or holes in walls and around windows, as this provides ants with a direct form of access into your home. Similarly plantings rosemary or mint around windows or doors can also deter entrance, due to their potent and pungent odours.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is another naturally-occurring repellent which is both safe and non-toxic to humans and pets, making it an ideal home-made remedy. You can simply sprinkle the acid powder around areas where ants have been detected and it will remain effective for several days. Once the particles have lost their stickiness, new ones can quite easily be reapplied. Just be sure to clean up any spills and keep any pets away from the powder, as it can be harmful to them if ingested.
Garlic and Onion Sprays
Garlic and onion sprays are also another recognised repellent, as the smell of both garlic and onions is strongly repulsive to ants. All that is required is one minced garlic clove to each cup of water, or one teaspoon of onion juice to two cups of water. Once the mixture has been prepared, it can be transferred to a spray bottle and applied to any entry or exit points within the home.
Chalk
Ground chalk is another non-toxic, chemical-free repellent solution. To use, simply draw a line of ground chalk around the perimeter of your home, or any entrances you wish the ants to avoid. As ants produce a sticky substance when they walk, the chalk will stick to their feet and be tracked back to the nest, which will ultimately poison the ant colony. As extreme caution needs to be taken with any poisoned ant colonies, some may prefer to use a more natural solution.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock which has absorbent properties and can act as a natural insect repellent when spread in certain areas. This type of rock is composed of fossilized remains of algae-like creatures called diatoms and is known to be effective in controlling insect infestations due to its sharp edged particles. It can be used to line ant-prone areas or spread around the perimeter of the home and its safety makes it the perfect solution for homes with children or pets.
Physical Barriers
Building physical barriers such as enclosing gardens, garage entrances and doors with sand or gravel is a great way to naturally repel ants from your home. Not only will this keep them from entering, but it will also provide you with a visible indication of any present breaches, should the corridor be disrupted or eroded in any way.
Benefits of Natural Repellents
Using natural and home-made remedies to repel ants not only allows for a cheaper alternative to commercial pesticides and store-bought repellents, but also guarantees safety to those around you and eliminates any of the potential dangers which can come with commercial products. Natural alternatives are widely used and recognized as an effective means of repelling ants without having to resort to commercial chemical pesticides or poisons.
Detrimental Effects of Commercial Pesticides
Although commercial pesticides may seem like an attractive solution to deter ants, they come with serious detriments both to the environment and to humans and animals. When exposed to such chemical pesticides, humans can be prone to issues such as skin irritations, eye and skin sensations, coughing, and nausea. Moreover, the chemicals can than begin to enter the soil and can start to contaminate ground water, eventually polluting our source of drinking water. The effects on wildlife can be equally as detrimental, as exposure to commercial chemical pesticides can lead to huge repercussions, such as death or serious illnesses, due especially to their capacity to be absorbed and stored in the fatty tissues of animals and other organisms.
Proper Sanitation
Proper sanitation is also known to be a huge factor in preventing ants from arriving at all. Practicing efficient household cleaning, such as wiping counter surfaces, washing dishes and tidying up any visible mess, can provide major benefits in preventing ant infestations. Also, getting rid of any excess food or organic waste which may be lying around can discourage them from entering your home.
Long-Term Solutions
By implementing some long-term solutions such as using sealed containers to store food, keeping all bins securely closed, and dealing with any loose or damaged mortar or brickwork, ants can be prevented from making your home and garden their home.
Keeping Ecological Balance
It’s also important to remember that ants play an essential role within the ecosystem, so it’s important to keep the population in check but not to do anything which will detriment their species or the environment. As such, it’s important to remember that, although the home remedies and natural solutions outlined here are effective, if the ant population increases despite all of your efforts, it may be time to call in a professional.
