How to Get Rid of Ants-Naturally
I spilled some sugar by the coffee maker and thought I had it all wiped up. The next morning an army of ants had a trail going to and from the back of the coffee maker, down the cabinet, along the baseboard, and out the back door where they were building an ant city. We have all seen the ant invasion at one time or another. Getting rid of the little pesky critter's is not always as simple as spraying a ant repellent. Follow the ants-It is important to follow the ants and get their nest so they do not return. Ants have a queen. Find the queen and you can kill the anthill. Until you find it you may wish to use an ant repellent to keep the ants out of your house. Ants are attracted to sugar and food, including pet foods. Keep all food in airtight containers and keep your floors, counters, and appliances clean and free from crumbs or spills. They are also attracted to moisture so it's a good idea to keep houseplants, wood and other debris which attract moisture away from doorways and windows. Check out these easy ways to get rid of ants.
How to Get Rid of Ants Using Borax
It is very easy to make a natural ant killer from 20 Mule Team Borax, sugar, and water. You can use six parts sugar to one part Borax then add enough water to make a paste. Use a container that has a lid and that you can easily poke small holes in so the ants can get in and out (See video below).The idea is to lure them into the container, they will eat the concoction and carry some back to their queen. The Borax once ingested kills the ants slowly so it gives them time to bring the poison to the queen. Be sure to wear gloves while handling Borax and follow all safety precautions on the box as well. Do not put this concoction near bee hives, chicken coops, around other animals or livestock. Even though Borax is actually derived from a natural mineral from the ground and Boran is even used as a vitamin supplement, it has been known to be toxic to other insects and animals. (See video below). Also, see natural ant repellents that deter ants away from areas rather than kill them below.
20 Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster 65 oz. (Pack of 4)
Featured Video: Borax and DIY Ant Trap (with educational, health, and safety Facts using all natural Borax
Is Borax Toxic to Ants?
The answer is yes, Borax is extremely toxic to ants because it disrupts their digestive system but Borax is not as toxic to people and animals due to the low toxicity levels. Borax kills the ants very slowly which gives them enough time to bring the poison to their queen (Terra.com, 2018). Once the queen is dead the ant colony will die off too.
Warnings
You should avoid using illegal pesticides. To find out if a pesticide is illegal you can contact the EPA or to see illegal pesticide products go here: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/avoid-illegal-household-pesticide-products
Grandma's Homemade Ant Repellant
My grandmother used to use the liquid from boiled peppermint leaves and cinnamon. She would spray it along the baseboards and doorways as a barrier which the ants would not cross over. Clean all surfaces with white vinegar to get rid of the pheromone scent which the ants leave behind to attract more ants. Scroll down for more natural remedies to get rid of ants.
Other Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants
- Clean counters, cabinets, and floors with vinegar and water.
- Pour a line of cream of tarter where they enter the house.
- Put a cinnamon stick near cracks and openings.
- Plant mint around your house.
- Squeeze lemon juice by entry ways and leave the lemon rind there.
- Put garlic cloves on the ant trail.
See More About Household Pests & How to Get Rid of Them
Check out our list of various household pests and find out how to get rid of them: List of Household Pests & How to get rid of them
Memory Verse
Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer. Prov. 30:24-25
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References:
1. Mabey, Steve. Borax and DIY Ant Trap (with educational, health, and safety facts using all natural Borax).. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfFEcJhhZV8
2. Tips for Humane, Nontoxic Ant Control. (2012). PETA. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.peta.org/living/humane-home/tips-humane-nontoxic-ant-control/
3. FAQ's: Is Ant Killer Safe for Pets? How Does Borax Kill Ants?. (2018). Terro.com. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from http://www.terro.com/faq
1. Mabey, Steve. Borax and DIY Ant Trap (with educational, health, and safety facts using all natural Borax).. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfFEcJhhZV8
2. Tips for Humane, Nontoxic Ant Control. (2012). PETA. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.peta.org/living/humane-home/tips-humane-nontoxic-ant-control/
3. FAQ's: Is Ant Killer Safe for Pets? How Does Borax Kill Ants?. (2018). Terro.com. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from http://www.terro.com/faq