Getting rid of ants in your house requires a combination of cleaning, prevention, and targeted treatments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you eliminate ants and keep them from coming back:
1. Identify the Ant Species
- Different ants may require different approaches. Common household ants include:
- Sugar ants (attracted to sweets).
- Carpenter ants (nest in wood and cause structural damage).
- Odorous house ants. (odorous house ant, sugar ant, stink ant, and coconut ant.)
- Fire ants (aggressive and can sting).
2. Locate the Ant Trail
- Follow the ants to find where they’re entering your home and where their nest might be. Look for cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, windows, or doors.
3. Clean Thoroughly
- Wipe down surfaces: Use soapy water or vinegar to clean countertops, floors, and other areas where ants travel. This removes their scent trail.
- Store food properly: Keep food in airtight containers, especially sweets, fruits, and pet food.
- Take out the trash: Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean up spills: Immediately clean up crumbs, spills, and sticky residues.
4. Seal Entry Points
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, windows, doors, and foundations. This prevents ants from entering your home.
5. Use Natural Remedies
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray it along ant trails and entry points. Vinegar disrupts their scent trails.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice near entry points or wipe surfaces with it. Ants dislike the acidity.
- Cinnamon or peppermint: Sprinkle cinnamon powder or place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near entry points. These act as natural repellents.
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along ant trails. It dehydrates and kills ants but is safe for humans and pets.
6. Set Ant Baits
- Commercial ant baits: Place ant bait stations near trails or entry points. Worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, killing the colony over time.
- DIY bait: Mix borax (a natural ant killer) with sugar and water to create a paste. Place small amounts near ant trails. (Keep away from pets and children.)
7. Eliminate Moisture
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or drains. Ants are attracted to water sources, so reducing moisture can deter them.
8. Monitor and Repeat
- Continue to monitor for ant activity and reapply treatments as needed. It may take a few days to completely eliminate the colony.
9. Prevent Future Infestations
- Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and dining areas.
- Keep outdoor areas tidy by trimming plants and removing debris near your home.
- Store firewood away from your house, as it can attract ants.