How to get rid of ants?

Who has ever been disturbed in their home by an ant invasion? These small insects live in colonies and are happy to move around in groups. If you see one in your kitchen, others are not far away! Fortunately, there are natural solutions you can use to get rid of ants without killing them.

How to prevent an ant invasion

Ants do not invade a place by chance. If you have ants in your kitchen, it means they have found something interesting enough to stop and stick around. So, before even thinking about how to rid yourself of them, start looking at the causes of their presence. Ants are attracted to sugar, so make sure you store and keep your sweet foods airtight. A poorly sealed jar of jam or aging fruit are valid reasons for ants to invade your kitchen.

Your pets' food can also attract ants. So, if you have a dog or cat, place their food bowl inside a plate filled with water. This will keep ants out. Also, verify that your windows and doors close properly. If not, it may be time to change or repair damaged seals. Ants are very small insects and have a habit of squeezing through even the smallest gaps. In most cases, these two tips will help you stop the problem. If this is not the case, there are natural and non-toxic methods to get rid of ants for good.

What natural solutions are available to get rid of ants?

Instead of using products that are harmful to the environment and your health, here are some tips that work very well against ants.

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are very effective as a natural ant repellent. Once you have identified their entry point, place a shallow plate filled with coffee grounds in that exact spot. You can also sprinkle it along their path. The strong smell of coffee grounds covers the pheromones that the ants deposit on their path to guide them. The ants will no longer find their way back to your house.

Essential oils

Ants have a high sense of smell and do not like strong odors. Certain essential oils are therefore suitable to control ants. Peppermint essential oil is particularly recommended. Lavender, lemongrass or clove essential oils are also very effective. Do not hesitate to make a spray with a mixture of essential oils diluted in water.

Baking soda

Baking soda, a miracle product for the kitchen and bathroom, is also a great ant deterrent. Make a paste mixing baking soda and dishwashing liquid and apply it to the path and entry point of ants. They will think twice about disturbing your peace. Often used in combination with baking soda for home maintenance, white vinegar is equally effective in controlling ants. Spray it along the entry point areas or wherever you spot ant activity.

Are there any other solutions to get rid of ants?

Although gentle methods are preferable to get rid of ants, sometimes you need to turn to more radical methods to solve the problem. The most common and cheapest method is to pour boiling water on the ants or directly into the anthill if you located one on your premises.

Another method is to sprinkle diatomaceous soil along ant trails. This environmentally friendly powder made of microalgae attaches itself to the legs of the ants. Once the contaminated ants enter the anthill, they contaminate all the others.

Although these methods may seem barbaric, they are very effective. They should only be used if other natural methods have failed. Let's not forget that ants - although harmful when they infiltrate our homes - are part of our ecosystem and have an important role in maintaining it. By feeding on dead animals and insects, they help to clean our environment. Contrary to popular belief, they are also allies of gardeners. They help to aerate the soil by digging underground galleries.