The hot summer months often lead to an excess of ants around your home as they search for food and water. Unfortunately, ants are tiny and persistent creatures who can traverse spaces we can barely see. That is why we are sharing with you methods to prevent ants from entering your home and how to repel them if they manage to get in.
How to Prevent Ants from Entering Your Home
Be Aware of Scout Ants
While you may not think that a single ant is an issue, it is. Just one or two ants roaming around your home are often scout ants. These ants literally scout your house for food and water, then report back to the colony.
Keep Surfaces Clean
When we say surface, we mean everything from your cabinets to countertops to floors. Regularly clean up your surfaces so no crumbs are lying about. After, give it a good disinfecting.
Store Food in Sealed Containers
The best way to prevent ants from finding food in your home is to seal it away. Keep fruit in the fridge, dry foods in sealed containers, and ensure that any pet food is stored tight.
Prevent Entry
Even clean and organized homes can still be targeted by ants, so preventing their entry as best you can is the next step. You want to:
- Seal cracks & entrances to your home
- Remove ant trails
- Deploy ant baits around active areas
- While it may attract more ants briefly, toxic traps will poison the central nest when the ants take it home.
How to Repel Ants Without All the Chemicals
Even with all these actions, ants still may find a way into your home. They are persistent critters. Here are a few non-chemical options you can use to DIY an ant problem.
1. Glass Cleaner & Liquid Detergent
By mixing the two together and spraying it where ants have assembled, you will erase their scent trails, as we mentioned above. Hand soap is also used to do this, although it may not work quite as well.
2. Pepper
Ants are not a fan of pepper. By sprinkling it around baseboards and behind appliances, you can prevent ants from wanting to walk there.
3. Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, & Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil all work on a variety of insects, including ants. Simply mix 10 to 20 drops of your essential oil (pick one) with 2 cups of water. Then spray it around your baseboards and windows.
Please note that some pets, especially cats, can become ill if they come in contact with peppermint, tea tree, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
4. Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda mixed with vinegar has been known to keep ants out of kitchens for years now. Sprinkle baking soda over counters and other places where ants tend to gather. Once dried, add a little bit of white vinegar to help kill off any remaining bugs.
Reliable Pest Solutions
Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to prevent and repel ants. If ants are still finding a way into your home, we encourage you to call us Reliable Pest Solutions before it becomes a significant problem. Call today for a quote.