Preventative Measures
Taking preventive measures is the best way to keep ants away from your home. Make sure to seal any potential entry points, including windows, cracks and holes, with caulk, weather-stripping or other materials. Keep any outdoor trash or compost cans sealed to avoid attracting ants. Additionally, clean up after meals immediately, wiping counters and floors to remove any food residue that could attract ants.
When it comes to your garden, plant any herbs or spices that are naturally unpalatable to ants, such as mint, thyme, basil, lemon grass and chili peppers. Ants will avoid these plants, and you’ll get the added benefit of growing some delicious flavors. Additionally, mulch around your plants and use drip irrigation to discourage ants from entering your garden and getting access to your home.
Areas of Concern
To ensure ants don’t get access to any food, keep your kitchen and pantry area as clean and organized as possible. Make sure food packages are tightly sealed and that any sticky or spilled remnants are wiped off the counters and floors. Use airtight containers for food storage, coming as often as possible. Make sure to keep all food off the floors and check under appliances for crumbs or spills that could attract ants.
It’s also important to be aware of any plants indoors that could be attractive for ants. Some of the common entry points for ants are potted plants, houseplants, firewood and pet food. Regularly inspect these areas and maintain them to keep ants away.
Natural Repellents
Different natural items around your house can be used to repel ants. Lemons and oranges contain a powerful scent that wards off ants, and leaving citric peels in your pantry or anywhere else ants are likely to enter can be an effective deterrent. Cinnamon, cloves and vinegar can be used the same way, both on their own and combined.
Boiling water can also be used to repel ants when poured on their entry or exit points in your home. This method has the added benefit of not having to use any chemicals or leave behind strange smells.
Using Chemicals
Using chemicals is often the last resort when it comes to getting rid of ants. Insecticides can be used to repel or kill ants, although the surge of interest in organic products has resulted in the rise of non-toxic insecticides containing natural ingredients. Regardless, insecticides should still be used with caution and safety measures, as their chemicals can be just as harmful to humans and pets as they can to ants.
Professional Services
If all else fails, it might be a good idea to contact a professional service. These services are specially equipped to get rid of an infestation quickly, safely and effectively.
Professional services might be more expensive, but they offer the peace of mind of knowing the problem will be thoroughly taken care of and the infestation won’t return.
Conclusion
Keeping ants away from your home is a difficult task, but with a little bit of effort and knowledge, you can get rid of any ant problem you may have. To prevent ants from entering your home, take preventive measures to seal or cover entry points. You can also use natural items and insecticides, but professional services are the most effective.
