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There is a lot to love about spring. Cherry blossoms, magnolia flowers, lilacs. But if ever there were something to love a little less about it, it would have to be ants. Not ants where they belong, outside, aerating the soil, reducing acidity, and feeding on the larvae of other less desirable pests, but ants inside your home, running through your kitchen, wreaking havoc in your pantry, driving you crazy. Fortunately, getting rid of this kind of ant without resorting to pesticides is a very achievable task.
But first, why you?
Although it can be discouraging to realize that your home is the target of an ant invasion, it may reassure you to know that if you only see ants during the spring and summer that the chances are good that the parent nest is not inside your home. A winter ant invasion would be more worrying.
Hopefully, that makes you feel better, and gives you the energy and determination you need to tackle the problem, without resorting to pesticides.
The importance of choosing safer alternatives
Some sprays homeowners can buy to kill bugs contain ingredients that pose health risks. Ingredients like pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide and pyrethroids are suspected carcinogens, and may have effects on the:
• Nervous system
• Endocrine system
• Reproductive system (e.g., decreased sperm count)
• Respiratory system (e.g., asthma)
Why risk it when there are so many other safer options?
What you can do
1. Find out how they are getting in
You can follow the ants to find out how they are getting into your house. If you find a gap that is serving as an entranceway, seal it. For the outside wall, you can use caulk, but on the inside, you may prefer to try diatomaceous earth, which is made from microscopic fossils, and is very sharp, like broken glass. Once injured by the powder, insects dehydrate and eventually die. Diatomaceous earth should not be used outside because it can be harmful to other creatures. Also, it doesn't work when wet.
2. Vacuum and dump at a safe distance
An easy way to remove ants is by vacuum. Just be sure to empty the bag immediately, and away from the house.
3. Erase all traces
Wipe down the site of the ant trail with plain old water and vinegar or soap. Continue to do this regularly until you are sure that the ants have left you alone.
4. Add a dab of scent
Some people swear by scent, laying out lemons, mint or cinnamon, or even cucumber peels in the ants' tracks, to further deter them from making a return. Also used: lavendar, marjoram and tomato leaves.
5. The powdery approach
Others swear by such home remedies as corn starch, flour or cream of wheat, poured on the ants or laid out in their path. Some suggest adding cayenne pepper or other spices as an additional deterrent.
6. A great excuse for a second spring clean
The ants are attracted to your food, so make sure that all food is stored out of reach, in glass jars with lids. Take extra special care to keep counters and tabletops clean, and to wipe up any spills off the floor.
7. Special tip for pet owners
If you have to leave your cat or dog’s food out, place their bowl in a plate filled with water. The ants will not be able to brave the water to reach the food.
8. Dehumidify, remove water damaged-wood
Ants can be attracted to moisture, and to moisture-damaged wood, so ventilate, dehumidify and make repairs as needed.
9. Plan your garden or balcony accordingly
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Put strong smelling plants like mint near the outside walls of affected areas. It may work as a deterrent in the future.
You can do it! Once you've managed to repel the ants outside of your home, come back here and share your success story in our comments section.
