Ants. They are tiny, they never walk alone and they will give you a hell of a headache. They mostly infest kitchens and pantries because that’s where the goodies are, however, this does not keep them from spreading elsewhere. They are drawn to crumbs, spilt food, pet food, and the dark spaces in walls and floors. They enter homes through the many minute cracks and crevices. Here are some ways to eliminate the little suckers.
1. Hand soap or liquid detergent
Ants follow each other around so one of the ways to manage them is to make it difficult for them to find the trails. Wiping down surfaces with hand soap and/or liquid detergent destroys the pheromone trail making them unable to communicate with each other and follow each other.
2. Pepper
Ants, they love them some sugar, pepper, not so much. The strong pepper smell irritates the ants. Sprinkle black or red pepper around baseboards, behind appliances, and at their preferred entrances to keep ants at bay. You can also make a solution of pepper spray and water and spray it near the entrant areas every time they make an appearance. It will not kill them but it will make your house decidedly less appealing. Health: 6 Health Benefits Of Pepper
3. Chalk
Yes, chalk. For reasons that remain unknown, chalk lines repel ants. It may be because chalk contains calcium carbonate. Spray powdered chalk at their entrances or draw a line of chalk at the entrance and ants will not cross over and enter.
4. Lemons and Oranges
Squeeze a lemon and sprinkle at the entrance or place lemon peels in the places where the ants enter. You can also add some squeezed lemon juice on the floor while mopping. The strong bitter smell of lemons repels them. Oranges work the same way, you just place peels at their preferred entrance. Alternatively, you can make a paste of one cup of warm water and crushed lemon peel. Spread the paste wherever you think they enter from. Health & Beauty: The Benefits Of Lemon
5. White vinegar
Another strong smell that is absolutely repulsive to ants. Prepare a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and add a few drops of essential oil. Spray this once daily around doorways, windowsills and other entrant places for ants. 5 Ways You Can Use Vinegar To Clean Around The House
6. Cinnamon
This one has a double benefit to it, you repel ants and your house is left smelling fresh. Put cinnamon and cloves and/or sprinkle some cinnamon powder in the areas where ants come in through. For more effective results, you can add some essential oil to the cinnamon powder so that the smells come out even stronger. Health: 7 Benefits Of Cinnamon
7. Salt
This has to be the cheapest way to deal with ants. No need to purchase anything, you already have table salt. Spreading salt near nooks and corners will keep ants away. Alternatively, boil water and dissolve salt in it. Let it cool and spray it at the entrances.
There is always the option of using commercial pest control chemicals and ant killers if it feels like your ant problem is too severe for these natural remedies. Otherwise, try these simple natural remedies that do not even kill the ants, working just to repel them.
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