How to Get Rid of Ants | greenUPGRADER

5 by Becky Striepe on March 21, 2012

It was a mild winter, and while the daffodils are loving the warmer temperatures, so are all of the insects. That means we're probably in for a pretty buggy spring and summer. Winter freezes tend to cull the insect population, so warm temperatures equal more bugs. If you've had ant problems in the past, chances are those little fellas are going to appear in your home again this spring.

When you're facing an ant invasion, your instinct may be to grab a can of insecticide, but that stuff is terrible for indoor air quality and for your health. Next time you see a row of ants marching across the floor, try a few of these natural remedies instead.

Keep it dry. Ants are attracted to water, which is why they tend to pop up in the bathroom or the kitchen. Dry counter tops and sinks after you use them. Same goes for the tub. Just keep a few rags handy, so you can wipe excess water away.
Keep it clean. Of course, ants are also attracted to food, so keep food in well-sealed containers, and wipe down the counter and table after you prepare and eat food.
Plug it up. How are those little pests getting in? Grab a caulk gun and seal off their entry points.
Get spicy. Ants hate cayenne pepper. That hot pepper tells sugar ants that there's no sugar here for them. Before you caulk any holes where ants are getting in, try rubbing some cayenne on there, then caulk over that.
Make your own ant killer. Still seeing ants? It's time to get serious. The Happy Housewife has a great 3-ingredient recipe for ant killer. Just like spring cleaning, your ant problem will get worse before it gets better, but once they bring this poison back to the nest, you should be all good. From what I've read, borax is safe to use around pets, but I'd still keep their curious faces away from this stuff, just to be safe. Same goes for kids.

What about you guys? How do you control pests naturally?

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by hoyasmeg

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Another chemical free solution to crawly critters is diatomaceous earth which consists of fossils from diatoms which are a type of algae. The fossils are so small (some diatoms are single celled organisms) that the edges are so small they are also incredibly sharp, and they slice through the exoskeletons of insects. The diatomaceous earth is 80% silica which is a descant, and pulls the moisture out of the bodies of insects through the cuts.

Diatomaceous earth is generally safe because the fossils are so small, one warning I have read through did mention to use a dust mask because crystalline silica can pose a lung hazard, but diatomaceous earth contains a very low poercentage of crystalline silica. In fact diatomaceous earth is mixed in with feed and used as a dewormer for horses. And best of all it is now fairly readily available as it is sold for bedbug control (I know I’ve seen it at Walgreen’s locally). Just keep in mind that not all bedbug treatments are diatomaceous earth.
yosh hash

mint. the weed, not the candy. chop it up and leave it at the entry points, they seem to hate it.

also- (although this is still an experiment at this point) I draw them into a container full of sugar-laced fruit peelings, then empty it occasionally outside. It works well but i’m not sure if i might just be providing them a revolving door with free snacks. Feedback would be appreciated.
http://letsurvive.blogspot.in Tiv

Camphor works very well to drive ants away. Just rub some camphor along the edges of walls and any entry points, and they’ll be gone in no time. I’ve heard turmeric also works well, but haven’t tried it.

http://www.reignforest.net Vizag Real Estate

Yes, camphor and mint works really well.

JenB

Any suggestions for getting ants to relocate from grassy/garden areas? No ants in the house, just in a lot of our small condo lawn, especially up by the foundation. I don’t want to kill them, ants are important! But would rather they not be right where I am digging….