How To Get Rid Of Ants
How To Get Rid Of Ants
With the onset warm weather ants start moving into our homes. They may be hiding in the door frames, in the corners, under the stairs or in your cupboards. Believe me they are there whether you want them to be or not. Learn how to get rid of ants naturally and frugally.
Ant Season
Ants are present both inside and outside our homes all year round but during the spring and summer months they tend to move around more as it gets warmer. It is also ant mating and nesting season. So don’t be surprised if you see more ants during the spring and summer depending on where you live.
How To Repel Ants
You can repel ants in numerous ways, some more frugal than the other. Ants like to sneak in to tiny holes in your window or door ways or around venting or piping. Sealing up these areas with caulking or weatherproofing is a great bug repellent idea and it’s great weatherproofing for the cooler months.
You can repel or kill ants with a common fly swatter as well, or you can make sure ants won’t get away by using and electric bug zapper.
Store Bought Ant Repellent
Store bought ant repellents work great as well but contain numerous chemicals harmful to people and pets so please use as directed. You can find some brand ant repellents here as well as ultrasonic pest controls which work great to deter ants, spiders, mosquitoes and more.
Popular Ant Repellents
Household Products That Kill Ants
Several common household products can be used to deter and repel ants. Such as peppermint essential oil, tea tree oil, vinegar, dish soap and pepper.
Natural Way Of Getting Rid Of Ants
There are numerous natural ways to get rid of ants including many homemade and do it yourself ant repellents.
Baking Soda Is A Natural Ant Deterrent
It will deter ants from entering the home and kill the ants. Create a baking soda and powdered sugar solution 50/50. The powdered sugar will attract the ants and the baking soda will kill the ants.
Place this powdered solution in a small lid or container near an ant infestation or area of ants that you want gone. Or place in an area away from the house that you want them drawn to and the pests killed.
Vinegar Is A Great Ant Killer
Vinegar has a high acetic acid level and can kill ants on contact. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray ants. The strong odor and acid levels of the vinegar will deter ants from entering the spray zone area making this vinegar solution a great ant deterrent.
If using this vinegar solution as an outdoor home perimeter ant repellent spray ensure to respray once it rains in case the solution is washed away.
Ants Hate Peppermint
If you are looking for an ant repellent plant to grow around your home to help deter pests peppermint is a great one. Ants dislike peppermint.
A common solution of water and peppermint essential oil can be used as an ant deterrent. This won’t kill the ants but will deter them from the area. The suggested solution is 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 2 cups of water. Place this solution in a spray bottle and spray on ants or the perimeter and entry points to your home. Plus it will make your home smell amazing.
Pet Safe Ant Repellent Spray
Too much of anything isn’t good. In small amounts salt, baking soda, peppermint and vinegar are okay and safe for animals. In high doses they can cause stomach upset and other side effects. When making homemade bug repellents keep the spray area clear of pets till the solution is dry or cleaned up.
Child Safe Bug Repellent Spray
All of the natural ingredients listed that are great for deterring ants are child safe. But again too much of something can be harmful.
Keep your DIY ant killer solution out of child reach and prevent contact till solution is dry or removed.
DIY Natural Ant Repellent
As noted above salt, peppermint or vinegar mixed alone with water work great as an ant repellent solution. A common homemade bug repellent can also be formulated from peppermint essential oils, vinegar, water and dish soap.
How To Make Homemade Bug Repellent Spray
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp of dish liquid
Place all of the listed ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to ensure mixing of the ingredients. Store in a room temperature location. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
This homemade pest control solution can be used to spray directly on bugs. Or can be used as an indoor or outdoor bug repellent spray.
This solution contains natural products and may need to be reapplied to the area to ensure continual bug repellent. The above homemade bug repellent can be used as well during the summer months to deter mosquitoes for your patio or sundeck area. Checkout these other great mosquito repellents sure to help keep your home and patio bug free.
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Welcome! I am so glad you are here I am Cynthia, primary frugal mom blogger at Saving & Simplicity.
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