Natural "Green" Ant Remedies

Cinnamon and other spices can help rid Ants

Nowadays, people strive to keep pesticides out of their homes to keep their family and pets safe. For certain insects and pests there are some “Do It Yourself” remedies to combat these nuisances. Right now, it’s the beginning of Ant season. Whether you’re willing to admit it or not you will see ants—inside or outside your home. Here are some natural remedies to combat help rid ants.

1. General upkeep and cleanliness – Now that the weather is getting warmer and spring is finally here—so are ants. The number one “natural” step is prevention. Especially in places like a kitchen, you want to be certain you are keeping this area clean and dry. Furthermore, you want to make sure you have all food stored away tightly in your cabinets. You must keep your sinks and counters dry and clean at all times to prevent ants. With spring in full force pavement ants and carpenter ants are reproducing by the millions. It’s one thing for there to be some pavement ants outside on the driveway, however, if that massive mound of ants starts moving inward into your home you will have a problem and you will need to call a local exterminator.
2. Garlic Cloves and Cinnamon Sticks – Garlic Cloves and Cinnamon Sticks have shown to help rid ants. If you place these aromatically pleasing items by the window cracks and corners around your home this will help rid ants. If you are finding ants by the pantry it’s a great idea to stick a couple cinnamon sticks around the pantry for extra protection—and it smells good!
3. Vinegar – Placing white or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spraying the infested areas where you have ants might help. The fungicidal properties of the vinegar can help prevent ants. This remedy has also been found to help rid fruit flies.
4. Black Pepper – Sprinkling black pepper where you see ants can help with an ant infestation.
5. Boiling Water – For large anthill mounds, pour boiling hot water over them. It may be a bit cruel, but if you are one that absolutely doesn’t want pesticides than this is an option.
6. Mint – Mint destroys the smelling capabilities of ants and also helps minimize the chances of them entering your home. You can use this method in several ways. You can plant mint around your home especially near entries and exits. You can also plant Mint near where you see the Anthills. If ants are in your pantry, place mint leaves on the shelves of the pantry.

Other Plants – Here is a list of some other plants which have been known to be effective at warding off ants. The idea is the stronger the smell, the more likely the plant is to keep the ants away: Basil, Chili peppers, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Thyme.

Persistence is the key when trying natural ant control remedies. If one of these methods doesn’t work for you, then try another. You can also refer to the natural baiting stations offered by Green Pest Solutions. For those massive ant mounds and any other pest infestation please don’t hesitate to call Green Pest Solutions. We would be more than happy to give you a Free in-home evaluation for most pest concerns including Ants and Termites!