If ants are invading your home and you don’t know what to do, just turn to your kitchen. Chances are good that you already have some great ant control products right in your cupboards. Here are some of the best natural products you can use to disrupt the flow of ants.
Vinegar
Ants dislike strong smells, so vinegar is a good deterrent. It also has the added benefit of being a natural disinfectant, so it will clean up the ant trails that they use to follow each other. Use a 50-50 vinegar to water ratio in a spray bottle. Kill ants by spraying it directly on them. You can also find where they are most often seen and use the mixture to clean the area to destroy their trails. Lastly, use it as a deterrent by spraying it around doors and windows where the ants enter.
Mint
Mint is another strong smell that keeps ants out. For long-term benefits, you can plant mint around your home. If you need immediate action, go to your cupboard and get some mint extract or peppermint essential oil. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and wipe it around entry areas, baseboards, cabinets, etc.
Diatomaceous earth
If you use food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) as a supplement for you or your pets, you might be happy to know that it can also be used to get rid of pesky insects, including ants. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of marine creatures. It has microscopic sharp edges that will cut the exoskeleton of insects, but remain soft to the touch of humans and other animals. Once the insect is cut, it will quickly dry out and die. Just sprinkle a thin layer of DE along areas where you suspect ants are entering. You want to make sure that it doesn’t get wet or it won’t work any more. Although it is considered safe for humans and pets, you still don’t want children playing with it, so put it somewhere out of reach.
Coffee Grounds
If you are a big coffee drinker, take advantage of the fact by using your leftover coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home. The scent will help repel ants, and the minerals in it (including Potassium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium) are actually very beneficial to the soil.
Spices
Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cloves, and garlic are just a few of the spices that will help to repel ants. Just sprinkle some of these spices at the source of the problem, either around the anthill or around the point of entry into your house. They will act as a deterrent and keep the ants away.
Sunshine Coast Ant Control
While these kitchen products can be helpful in a pinch, they may not work to stop a large infestation. If ants are driving you crazy and you can’t get rid of them, it is time to call a professional pest exterminator to help. The experts at Radar Pest Control will come to your home, identify the problem pest, find and seal potential entry ways, and customize a plan to get rid of the pests once and for all. From ants and roaches to spiders and termites, Radar Pest Control does it all. Contact us today for pest control Sunshine Coast.