If you have an ant problem in your home, there are plenty of easy and practical solutions to get rid of them. Here are tips for identifying the source of the insects and simple methods to get rid of ants in your home. With the right approach, you can be ant-free in no time.
Remove Food Sources to Get Rid of Ants
Make sure ants don’t have easy access to food. Clean spills quickly and thoroughly, store food in airtight containers, and wipe down countertops after each meal. Don’t put dishes in the sink or crumbs on the countertops. Vacuum and dust frequently to prevent ants from gathering.
Create an Ant Barrier
Keep ants out of your home by creating barriers. Caulk cracks or crevices ants use to get into your house. Sprinkle a line of powdered ant repellent, such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid, around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that will deter ants.
Get Rid of Ants with Traps
Ant traps are an effective way to eliminate ants in your home. Shop for ready-made traps that contain food bait to lure ants in. Once they enter, they’ll be stuck and unable to escape. You can make DIY ant traps with a jar, sugar water, and borax. Add a quarter cup of sugar and two tablespoons of borax to two cups of water. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, and the borax will kill them.
Use Essential Oils to Repel Ants
Essential oils can repel ants and keep them away from your home. Peppermint, tea tree, lemon, and eucalyptus oil effectively deter ants. Mix a few drops of essential oil into the water and spray it around areas where ants enter. The scent helps deter insects.
Locate and Remove Ant Nests
To get rid of an ant problem, locate and remove their nests. Check the yard for mounds of soil. Rake the top of the nest and then pour boiling water or vinegar directly onto it. You might also flood the nest with water from a garden hose, pour borax onto the area, or use chemical ant killers you’ll find at hardware and home improvement stores.
Call a Professional If Necessary
If the ant problem persists, call a professional exterminator for help. They will identify the source of the problem and recommend an effective treatment plan to eliminate the ants from your home. Professionals have the experience to determine the type of ants and offer proven solutions.
By following these steps, you can get rid of ants in your home for good. Prevention is key. Clean spills immediately and seal entry points into your home. You and your family will enjoy an ant-free home with the right approach.
Eagle 1 Home Inspection Services provides inspections to customers in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.