Ants are popular for living in colonies made up of thousands of individuals. Hard workers, they transport food to their nest for the community to survive. However, these little insects can become a problem when they start to get food from our home.
Do you want to know how to get rid of ants? Here are several home methods to scare them away from your house without having to kill them or use dangerous products for you and your family.
Why are there so many ants in your house?
Before I show you the different home remedies that exist to ward off ants, you need to know why they have suddenly invaded your home. These insects live in anthills that dig and build in the ground, so they are not inside your house because they live there, something attracts them, and that something is usually food
That's right, the ants have discovered that it is easy to get food in your house and this allows the ants to reproduce at a faster rate. Why?
- You often leave food out in the open.
- Crumbs and food scraps are scattered on the floor and countertops in the kitchen.
- You don't dispose of garbage properly, the bags or the bin you use are broken or dirty.
- You have fruit trees in your garden.
- The floor has spilled liquid residues that have adhered to the surface.
In short, the lack of hygiene is what attracts the ants, as it represents an opportunity to get food crumbs.
How to keep ants away from your house?
Below, we present different home remedies designed to frighten away ants without killing them. In addition, these solutions will not put your children or family pets.
1. Deep cleaning
The first thing is to clean the house thoroughly to remove food debris and other elements that are attractive to these insects. We recommend vacuuming the entire house concentrating efforts on cleaning behind furniture, appliances and in corners. It will also be essential to clean the floor until any adhering residue is removed. Then scrub with vinegar diluted in water and let them dry.
Don't forget to keep food in airtight containers, don't leave food out in the open, not even fruit, clean or replace (depending on the case) the receptacles used to dispose of garbage. Similarly, make sure that the bags used for this purpose close well.
two. Lemon
Lemon is a good ally when it comes to scaring away ants, because its strong smell drives them away Everything you need to do is to squeeze the juice of 5 lemons and mix with a glass of water. Then, place in a spray container and spray kitchen counters and cracks that ants use to enter your home.
3. Whiteboard
Incredible as it may seem, common chalk is an effective method of keeping those insects at bay. How is it used? You just have to detect the place where the ants enter the house; If you notice, they tend to follow the same path. When you've spotted it, trace thick lines with the chalk around the perimeter. The smell, although imperceptible to you, will disorient them when it comes to sticking together to enter the house. Don't forget to review the lines after a few days.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar has proven to be an effective method against various household pests and ants are included in them. Mix three parts vinegar to two parts water and use this solution to clean floors, kitchen countertops and spray where ants enter.
5. Vaseline
Vaseline can help you stop ants from climbing onto containers where you keep food, for example, the sugar bowl or the honey pot. What should you do? Just dab a bit of Vaseline from the bottom of the container to the middle, the slippery texture will make it impossible for them to access its contents.
6. Peppermint Oil
Mint is another common ingredient in home remedies to ward off unwanted animals, this is due to its intense aroma If you need to ward off ants, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in an uncovered container on the trouble spots. Remember to renew the oil when you are unable to perceive the smell.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient in the kitchen, so you will have no problem applying this homemade method to ward off ants. Peel and crush two cloves of garlic, mix the resulting paste with water and shake well. Then, place in a spray container and spray your kitchen countertops and holes where ants enter, the strong aroma will drive them away
8. Seal the accesses
Ants are so small that entering any crack is very easy for them. If you want to keep them out of your house, you need to prevent them from entering, so sealing the entrances is a good complementary method to the others we have presented.
Patiently check for possible cracks in the walls and floor along the path that the ants regularly use. When you have located them, seal the holes with putty, cement, plaster or the required material. If necessary, don't hesitate to hire a professional to handle this job.
9. Cinnamon
This spice will help you keep the ants away. You will need to purchase cinnamon powder. Dust entryways and windows. It is even recommended that you draw a perimeter around the house to keep these insects at bay. In addition, this remedy will help you aromatize the house.
10. Clove
Clove is great if you're wondering how to keep ants out of your house. As in the previous case, we must sprinkle the powder in different areas of the home. Combined with cinnamon it is even more effective.
How to get rid of ants in your garden?
The garden of the house can also become a home for ants, so it is convenient to apply different home methods to scare them away without having to kill them. Pay attention to the following recommendations.
1. Lavender
Lavender plants give off a rich scent that will be pleasant in your garden, but will also help keep ants away. You just have to plant several lavender plants and they will do the rest. Don't forget to water frequently, this helps to intensify the aroma.
two. Orange Peels
Orange peels are recommended for making homemade fertilizer for your plants, but the citrus aromaalso helps keep ants out of your garden. You just have to mix the shells with the earth, remember not to bury them too deep for them to take effect.
3. Cucumber and citrus
Mixing cucumber peels with citrus peels such as lemon, orange or tangerine helps to fight fungi, which ants feed onThanks to this you will reduce their chances of getting food and they may decide to move to another place. You just have to mix the shells in the soil of your garden and wait for it to take effect. In addition, it will serve as a natural fertilizer.
4. Tobacco ash
The smell of tobacco, even in ashes, is extremely unpleasant to ants. If they have invaded your plants or trees, sprinkle ash around to drive them away.
5. Protect your trees
The trees in the garden naturally attract ants, since they represent a food source and a place where they can find elements that serve to expand the anthill, such as dry leaves and branches. If you notice ants crawling through the trees, scrub the trunk with glue and mineral grease This combination will not harm the tree, but it will keep the ants away.
