How to Remove Ants From Your Home

 

There are more than 12,000 species of ants in the world. Fortunately, most of them are harmless.

Some, however, are considered pests. Take carpenter ants, for example, they can chew their way through your house’s infrastructure.

That’s not all, some types such as fire ants can also bite and sting.

Are you dealing with an infestation? Looking for a guide on how to remove ants from your home? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll be going over a few different methods that you can try below. Keep reading for some ant removal tips!

1. Use Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural insect repellent. Not only will it deter ants, but it’ll repel mosquitos, beetles, moths, and other insects as well.

Simply fill a spray bottle with 3/4 cup water and add 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil. Put the lid on and shake well to combine the ingredients.

You can then spray the mixture onto your windows and baseboards—wherever you think ants are coming in.

Just remember to keep it away from your pets as they can become very sick if exposed.

2. Use White Vinegar

Ants hate the smell of white vinegar. Not only is it pungent, but it’ll also remove the scent trails that they use to get around.

All you have to do is mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. From there, you can spray it onto the floor, countertops, and other hard surfaces.

It’s also a good idea to spray the entry points in your home (e.g. window sills, door frames); that’ll prevent them from getting into your house. If anything, it’s one of the easiest ways to get rid of ants.

Keep in mind, however, that the vinegar won’t kill the insects—it’ll only deter them (unless you’re drowning them in the liquid).

3. Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is a slow-acting poison; it works by damaging the ants’ stomachs and outer shells, which ultimately leads to death.

To use it, fill a container with 1 cup of warm water and add 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid and 8 teaspoons of sugar. Stir until everything is dissolved.

Dab the mixture onto a few cotton balls and place them around your home where the ants will find them. Keep in mind, however, that it can take a few days for you to see a reduction in the number of ants.

If that doesn’t work, you may need to hire a professional pest control company such as Holmes Lawn & Pest.

Knowing How to Remove Ants

Now you know how to remove ants! As you can see, there are a few options, from using peppermint to boric acid. Remember, the earlier you deal with an infestation, the easier it’ll be.

Was this ant removal guide helpful? Looking for more tips like this? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more articles!