Are you looking for ant control remedies that are less toxic than commercial pesticides? Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Here are some natural, green remedies for getting rid of ants once they’ve gotten into your kitchen. As an added bonus, most of these are wallet-friendly, as well as eco-friendly!
Draw a line in the proverbial sand
Sidewalk chalk is ‘chock-full’ of calcium carbonate, which ants dislike because it interferes with their ability to follow scent trails. Try drawing a line or leaving some powdered chalk next to entry points. Reapplication may be necessary after heavy rain.
Spices aren’t just for cooking
Ants can’t stand the smell of certain spices including cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Sprinkling some of these next to the points where you think ants are coming in could help keep them away. Peppermint is also a natural deterrent, so try using a solution of peppermint extract mixed with water. This has the added benefit of making your home smell great!
When life gives you lemons…
Use them to keep ants away! Ants are averse to the citric acid content of lemons, so squeeze a lemon or place the peels next to the spots where they’re coming in. This can also work with oranges! Check to ensure your deterrents haven’t been stolen by local wildlife on occassion.
Sweeten the deal!
Try mixing borax into a sugary liquid such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar water, and leave this mixture in a shallow container next to where the ants are coming in. The sugar attracts them, but the borax will act as an effective poison. If you have kids or pets, however, don’t let them come into contact with this bait! Borax on its’ own is relatively harmless for skin contact, but ingesting it or getting it into your eyes could be dangerous.
Earth to the ant colony:
Diatomaceous earth (DE), powdery sediment made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, is one of the most effective natural methods for killing ants. It acts as lethal dust as it contains tiny, razor-sharp edges that can shred the ants if they walk through it or eat it. Pick up some food-grade DE (not swimming pool DE) at your local garden or animal supply store and spray or sprinkle it next to the ant-prone areas. It’s completely safe for use around kids or pets!
As always, don’t forget to give Graduate Pest Solutions a call if the bugs are getting the better of you. We strive to use the least toxic pest control methods wherever possible, protecting your property while improving your comfort and health.
