Ants are common household pests that can invade your space in search of food and shelter. These tiny invaders are attracted to sweet, fatty, and protein-rich foods, often leading them into our kitchens and pantries. While professional pest control is the best solution, sometimes you’re looking for a way to eliminate them now. Fortunately, there are several household items that can be used safely and effectively to eliminate ants.

Safe and Effective Household Solutions for Ant Control

Keep in mind that professional pest control will always be the most effective strategy. The pesticides and baits and other techniques that we use – which are safe for people and pets – are designed specifically to eliminate entire ant colonies when needed, and prevent individual ants for months at a time. But in the interim, you can try the following:

• Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar – A mixture of baking soda and powdered sugar can act as a bait. Ants are attracted to the sugar, but the baking soda is lethal to them.
• Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) – Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around ant entry points can be effective. It’s a natural abrasive that damages the ants’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. Borax is another solution that works in this way.
• Cornmeal – While not immediately lethal, cornmeal can act as a slow-acting bait. Ants can’t digest cornmeal, and it expands inside them, eventually leading to their demise.
• Windex – Windex is lethal to most pests, including ants, and can be easily cleaned up. Unlike bleach, which is also lethal, Windex is unlikely to harm any part of your property.

Another strategy that you can use is repellents. Strong smells disrupt scent trails. Coffee grounds, peppermint oil, lemon juice – these smells make it more difficult for ants to follow scents, and they need scent trails to know where to travel to get into your property.

Prevention and Pest Control

Prevention, however, is always better than elimination. Prevention can occur in a variety of ways, including:

• Seal Entry Points – Inspect your home for cracks and crevices where ants may enter and seal them with caulk.
• Cleaning – Regular cleaning, especially of kitchen surfaces and floors, can prevent ant infestations by removing food sources.
• Proper Food Storage – Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting ants.
• Remove Standing Water – Ants need water to survive. Eliminate standing water sources to make your home less inviting.
• Trim Vegetation – Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home to reduce access points for ants.

Choosing to use household items for ant control is a safe and effective way to deal with an ant invasion. These natural methods not only eliminate ants but also are safe for your family and pets. Implementing preventative measures will help maintain a long-term solution, but the best way to keep your home ant free is with professional pest control. Contact us today to get started.