How to Deter Ants from Your Home Naturally: 5 Tips
While ants are relatively harmless, they can be a nuisance in your home. If you’re looking for a natural way to deter ants, there are a few things you can do.
One of the most effective ways to deter ants is to use diatomaceous earth. This is a type of silicon dioxide that kills ants by puncturing their exoskeletons. You can find diatomaceous earth at most hardware stores.
Another way to deter ants is to mix glass cleaner and liquid detergent. This creates a slippery surface that ants can’t cross. You can also try sprinkling ground black or red pepper around the perimeter of your home.
Other effective options include using peppermint, tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. You can also create a mixture of white vinegar and water. This will create an acidic environment that ants don’t like.
Why are ants a problem?
Ants might seem like harmless insects, but they can cause quite a few problems in your home. They can contaminate your food, and some species of ants can even cause structural damage to your property. Carpenter ants, for example, can create large tunnels in wood, which weakens the structure of your home. Ants can also be difficult to get rid of once they've established a colony in your home. In addition to being a nuisance, ant infestations can be a health hazard. Some people are allergic to ant venom, and in rare cases, ant bites can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
What attracts ants to your home?
Ants are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and windows. Once inside, they can quickly establish a colony, attracted by any source of food, such as crumbs on the kitchen counter, food spills on the floor, or even pet food left in a bowl. Ants also prefer warm and humid environments, which means they're more likely to invade your home during the summer months. Moisture can also attract ants. Leaky pipes, overflowing gutters, or even excessive watering of indoor plants can create a moist environment perfect for ant colonies.
Five natural ways to deter ants
Diatomaceous earth: As mentioned earlier, diatomaceous earth kills ants by puncturing their exoskeletons. To use it, sprinkle it around the areas where you've seen ants or around the perimeter of your home. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling diatomaceous earth, as it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Glass cleaner and liquid detergent: Mix equal parts glass cleaner and liquid detergent and spray the solution around the areas where ants are present. This creates a slippery surface that ants can't cross, effectively blocking their paths.
Ground pepper or red pepper: Sprinkle ground black or red pepper around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that ants won't want to cross. Pepper contains capsaicin, which is a natural insect repellent.
Peppermint or tea tree oil: Mix several drops of peppermint or tea tree oil with warm water in a spray bottle and spray the solution around the areas where you've seen ants. Both oils contain a compound called terpene, which repels ants.
White vinegar and water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution around the areas where you've seen ants. Because ants dislike acidic environments, this solution can deter them from entering your home.
A final work of advice
In addition to these natural remedies, there are some steps you can take to prevent ants from entering your home. Keep your kitchen clean, store food in airtight containers, and seal any cracks or gaps in your home's foundation, walls and windows. If you do have an ant infestation, it's best to call in a professional exterminator. They can identify the species of ant and recommend the best treatment options. Or if you live anywhere in Auckland then Dan's Property Services Ltd could sort the issue for you. With these tips, you can effectively deter ants from invading your home and enjoy a pest-free environment.
