Ants can be a huge problem in any home. These pesky insects can invade any place in your home, whether it be in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. There are a myriad of different products available for dealing with home ant infestations, the most common being poisoned bait traps and pesticide spray. The problem with these solutions is that they often make use of harmful chemicals and poisons that you might not want to use in your home. Leaving poison ant traps around can be dangerous for children or pets that might find them interesting, and it is never a good idea to use poison sprays in places like the kitchen that are full of food. Have no fear though; if poison and artificial chemicals are not for you, there are also many natural ways to kill ants in the home.
Preventative Measures
One common cause of ants is messy counter tops or kitchen floors. Ants are attracted by the smells of food so it is important not to leave food lying out and to clean up any messes. Wiping surfaces down with a little bit of vinegar helps to keep ants away because they do not like the smell and it interferes with their ability to navigate. Doing this regularly is a great way to maintain an ant-free kitchen. There are many other smells that ants find repulsive, including bay leaves, cloves, cayenne pepper, and garlic. You can try placing these natural repellents at the entry points where ants are getting into your home or in closets and cupboards you want to keep ant-free. Talcum powder can also work as a natural ant repellent.
Natural Ant Traps
If you want something that will actually kill ants rather than just keep them away, you can make your own natural, poison-free ant traps with just a few simple ingredients. All you need to do is mix borax powder, which is available in the laundry detergent aisle, and some ordinary jelly together in a small shallow container that ants will be able to get into, such as a soda bottle cap. They are small and easy to place unobtrusively around your house. Once you have thoroughly mixed the borax and jelly and filled your containers, leave your homemade ant traps out wherever the ants appear. Ants will be attracted to the jelly, but the borax will cause problems in their digestive system that will eventually kill them.
If you have tried all this and are still having ant problems, then it might be time to get in contact with a professional exterminator. There are many exterminators who specialize in pesticide-free pest removal; you can use TalkLocal to find a local professional who can cater to your needs. Simply enter your location, availability, and a description of your problem and TalkLocal will connect you in minutes to someone who can help.
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