Identifying the Problem
Ants play an important role in nature, and there are situations in which it is helpful to have them around–like pollinating certain foods, cleaning up our kitchen counters, or keeping other harmful pests away. But sometimes their presence can become overwhelming. There are a variety of ways to naturally and safely eliminate ants from your home and yard.
Natural Repellents
One effective way to get rid of ants is to create a natural repellent. Common natural repellents include essential oils such as mint, lemon, or eucalyptus. To make the repellent, combine some drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around any areas you want to keep ants away from. A combination of water and cider vinegar is another effective repellent. Vinegar can kill many types of ants, while the smell of vinegar is an effective repellent for others.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning can help prevent an infestation. Ants leave a trail wherever they go, so it’s important to regularly wipe down surfaces and remove any crumbs or stagnant areas of food. Vacuum or sweep any areas where you think ants may be living or gathering regularly. This will help remove any traces that might be leading other ants to your home.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers keep ants from entering your home by blocking their access points.
Dusting diatomaceous earth around entryways and doorways is a great way to block the ants from entering while also killing them. This barrier works by drying out the exoskeleton of the ant when they contact it, killing the ant without using any toxic chemicals.
Cayenne pepper is another effective natural barrier. Sprinkling cayenne pepper around the entrance to your home will prevent any ants from entering.
Removing Nest
Removing a nest is an effective and permanent solution to an ant problem. Once the ants in the nest have been cleared, you can use a solution of hot water, detergent, and vinegar to dissolve the nest.
You can also use boiling water to destroy the nest. Boiling water can reach the nest’s core and destroy the nest from the inside out. Be sure to pour the boiling water directly into the nest and not near the nest, as too much boiling water near the nest could damage the surrounding area.
Natural Predators
Attracting natural predators of ants to your yard is another effective way to control the ant population. Ants are a food source for many types of animals, so try to attract their natural predators to the area.
Birds like woodpeckers and bluebirds feed on ants and could help reduce an ant population. Lizards, frogs, and toads also feed on ants and can help keep their population under control.
Organic Pesticides
Organic pesticides are another natural way to control ants. Organic pesticides are derived from plants, and can be effective in eliminating small ant infestations. Boric acid is the most common natural pesticide for killing ants. Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound that is safe for human health, and is known to be effective in killing ants. It can be spread in ant-prone areas, or in areas where ants are suspected of living.
Encouraging Beneficial Insects
Encouraging beneficial insects can also help keep a population of ants in check. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, feed on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mites, and ants.
Attracting beneficial insects to the garden or yard is the best way to encourage them to stay. Planting a variety of plants that attract beneficial insects can help keep ants at bay. These plants include dill, fennel, and parsley.
Chalk Lines
Drawing chalk lines around areas where ants are entering or gathering can be an effective way to keep them out. The chalk produces an unpleasant scent for ants and helps to keep them away. Chalk lines can also be used to block the ants from entering your home or other areas of your property.
Using Natural Deterrents
There are many other natural deterrents that can be used to get rid of ants. These include coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, citrus oils, and garlic. All of these can be spread around areas where ants are suspected of living or gathering.
Traps
Ant traps are a great way to get rid of ants without using any harsh chemicals. Ant traps contain food and bait that attract the ants, and when they enter the trap they become trapped and can’t escape. It is important to use a trap that is specifically designed to be safe for use around children and pets.
Preventing Future Infestation
The best way to prevent future ant infestations is to identify the source of the problem. Be sure to keep food items stored in airtight containers and make sure all cracks and crevices around windows and doors are sealed.
Avoid leaving sweet food or drink items out or in open containers, as ants love sweet food. Keeping a clean environment and vacuum or sweep regularly will also help keep ants away. If you find ants in the home, inspect the area to see if you can find their nest and remove it.
Conclusion
Getting rid of ants naturally and safely is possible. Physical barriers, natural repellents, beneficial insects, and traps are all effective ways to get rid of ants without having to resort to harsh chemicals. Identifying the source of the problem and regularly cleaning are also important steps in preventing an infestation.
