How to Get Rid of Ants

Did you find a line of ants marching across your kitchen counter into your kitchen sink? Or perhaps there’s an ant hill in your backyard? No matter where they are, ants are pesky pests that can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, there are natural and effective ways to get rid of these insects.

Read on to learn how to get rid of ants for good.

Effective Ways To Kill Ants

Use Ant Bait

Commercial ant bait: commercial bait can be the most effective killer of black ants. Place the bait near areas where you have seen them. The bait holds poison designed to attract ants who then carry it back to their nest, exposing the others in their colony. The ants are then gradually eradicated.

Just be sure not to employ this method when children and pets are present. Bait traps take longer to take effect than sprays, but they deliver better results in the long run. Clean food out of other areas in your house to ensure that the ants are only attracted to the bait during this time.

Use Ant Spray

Pesticide: spraying pesticides will decimate your ant population. After purchasing a formula, mix according to the instructions on the package and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the contents throughout your infested rooms, but be sure that children and pests stay clear of the treated areas.

Aerosol spray: this can be applied directly to black ants. Usually available in an indoor formula, the aerosol spray is safe to use on ants in the kitchen. Spray the infested areas, including cracks and crevices where you’ve seen ants crawl in and out. Black ants die instantly when sprayed, so just sweep up the mess and wipe the treated areas clean if children and pests are nearby.

Natural Methods For Getting Rid of Ants

Diatomaceous earth: completely natural, this substance is not harmful to people or pets, but is poisonous to black ants. Diatomaceous earth is made of ground-up fossil pieces that pierce ants’ exoskeletons upon contact. Just sprinkle the powder in the areas in which ants have appeared. Vacuum and replace the diatomaceous earth every other week.

Essential oil spray: some essential oils naturally repel insects. Create a spray yourself by combining 10 drops of essential oils with a cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to each room in your house. Eucalyptus oil, lemon, tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint are common–and effective–essential oils to try.

Boric acid: this common household powder can be an effective insecticide. Sprinkle the boric acid throughout the edges of infested rooms and the black ants will die as they crawl through it.

Cayenne pepper: sprinkle cayenne pepper in all the areas where you have seen ants. The heat of the pepper will cause them to move away and look for a new home.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Ants Outside

Pour boiling water:  boiling water is an easy and inexpensive way to eliminate ants. Boil a pot of water and pour it into the ant nest or the general area in which you have seen them crawling around. This will not only kill the ants but also destroy their nests. Be sure to stay safe when dealing with hot liquids!

Keep Ants Out

Ensure Your Home is Tidy

The best way to prevent ant infestations is by keeping a clean house. Make sure you sweep up any food crumbs, vacuum carpets, and rugs, wipe down counters and tables regularly, and throw away food that has been sitting out for too long.

Remove Entry Points

Sealing cracks in your foundation and along doors and windows can also be enough to deter ants from wandering inside. Use caulk or silicone to fill and seal any cracks. You can also use door sweeps along the bottom of your doors to prevent them from entering.

These simple steps can help to reduce the chances of an ant infestation in the first place.

Trust the Experts to Resolve Ant Issues!

For further assistance in getting rid of ants, call Green Pest Solutions at 855-312-7157. We’re here to help keep your home free of infestations. Call us today for more information about keeping pests at bay—the safe way.