How to Get Rid of Household Ants?
If you have ants in your home, they can be a real pain. Ants can be a bother, whether they're in your kitchen, living room, or even bedroom. They can make daily life difficult.
Let's learn more about these tiny invaders and look at the tools and methods you can use to keep ants out of your home.
To help you understand these bugs and get rid of them from your home, you can read this.
How to Spot Common Household Ants
Finding and getting rid of ants rests on being able to identify them correctly. These are the most popular types of house ants:
Black Ants
Yellow Meadow Ant
Red Wood Ant/Horse Ant (formica rufa)
Carpenter ants
Fire ants
Sugar ants
There are different traits that each species has that can hurt or even attack your home.
If you know about these ants, you can take the right steps to stop outbreaks.
Black ant
The black garden ant, Lasius niger, is the most well-known ant in England. It goes into homes a lot. Up to 15,000 people can work in a colony, but most have between 4,000 and 7,000. They like food, honey, and sugar.
Yellow meadow ant
In parks, you can often find Lasius flavus, or yellow meadow ants. They make small mounds in our fields, and because they are yellow-orange, people often think they are red ants. They are not more dangerous than Lasius niger, which is their familiar black cousin.
They know how to build nests well. You can also find them in fields and grasslands, where they make much bigger mounds. They eat mites and small bugs that get into their burrows.
Horse ant or red wood ant (formica rufa)
This species of ant is the biggest in the UK. It goes into the nests of other Formica species, like Formica fusca, and steals their young. They then take the eggs and raise the hatchlings as their own.
The queens of Formica rufa can lay hundreds of eggs at once, and they are polygynous. You can find them in southern England and other places in Europe.
Carpenter Ants
One of the bigger types of ants is the carpenter ant. They go after wood parts in homes and do strange damage to them. Carpenter ants are mostly black, but some can be red or yellow. They usually live outside, but they can come inside if the wood is wet.
You need to act quickly if you find carpenter ants in your home. It's a good idea to hire someone to help you get rid of them. They know how to get rid of these ants in a way that won't hurt your home.
Fire Ants
People know that fire ant bites hurt a lot. They often live outside in yards or parks, where they make big mounds. They can now get into your house if they can find a way.
When they bite, you can feel your skin burning at first. After that, the red spots on your skin will turn into white bumps that itch. Some people or pets may be hurt the most by this.
Use any spray or traps to keep them away. Ants won't be able to get in if you clean up around your house. If there are too many, a professional might need to take care of them.
Sugar Ants
Sugar ants are small ants that can be brown or black. Some people call them sidewalk ants. They often build their nests in cracks in the sidewalk. For that reason, if you have sweet things in your house, they will come right in for a snack.
They may not seem dangerous at first glance, but they can bring bad germs into your home, which is bad for your health.
Make sure you store your food correctly and keep your kitchen clean to keep these ants out. These ants won't be able to get in if you don't leave food out, especially sweet food. A good way to keep ants away is to take away their main food source.
Things that bring ants inside
Figuring out what brings ants inside is important for getting rid of them and keeping them from coming back. There are food sources, water sources, and entry places in your home that ants can use.
Getting rid of these things makes your house less appealing to ants and lowers the chance of getting an infestation.
Food Sources
Ants like food, especially things that are sweet and sticky. When an ant finds a sweet smell, it leaves a scent trail that leads the other ants in the colony to the spot.
Ants won't be able to eat your food if you put it in sealed containers or plastic bags. If you store food the right way, you can keep ants and other pests away.
Cleaning is also important to get rid of food sources for ants. Wipe down surfaces and hoover furniture, carpets, and rugs to keep things clean. If you keep your house clean, you can break up any trails and get rid of any food scraps that might attract them.
Water Sources
Ants need water to live, just like all other living things. Ants can be kept away by getting rid of standing water and fixing leaks in your home. Pipe breaks, water from plants in pots, bathroom condensation, and pet water bowls are all common places where water comes from. Remove any plants that are sitting in the water and fix any leaks. Also, make sure that pet bowls are empty.
Getting in touch with a plumber or using a do-it-yourself repair kit can help fix a leak that won't go away. Getting rid of water sources can lower the chance of an infestation.
Access Points
Seal up cracks, gaps, and other areas that ants could use to get into your home. Ants often come inside through small cracks in the walls.
There are small cracks in the base, walls, doors, and windows that are sealed. To keep bugs out, fill in the holes with caulk, foam, or other sealants.
Check your home often for possible entry points. Taking care of any damage can help keep an area sealed. Ants and other pests can't get into your home if you close off any openings they might use.
Non-harmful ways to get rid of ants
Several non-toxic methods are available for those preferring a more natural approach to ant control. Diatomaceous earth, boric acid, essential oils, and vinegar solutions are all effective options that do not rely on harsh chemicals.
Utilising these non-toxic methods allows you to maintain an ant-free home while ensuring a safe environment for your family and pets.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth, commonly known as DE, is a fine powder from ancient water plants. It’s not harmful to humans or pets, but it’s deadly for ants. When they crawl over diatomaceous earth (DE), it takes away the protective oils from their bodies, and they dry out.
If you see ant paths or nests, sprinkle diatomaceous earth there. Be extra safe and get the kind labelled “food grade” if you have kids or pets around.
To use diatomaceous earth to eliminate ants, simply follow these steps:
Apply diatomaceous earth around your home, focusing on areas where ants are present.
Be sure to follow the directions on the package for optimal results.
Consider using food-grade diatomaceous earth for added safety.
Essential Oils
Peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon essential oils can be used to keep ants away naturally. You can keep ants out of your home by using smells that they don't like.
To get rid of ants with essential oils like tea tree oil, mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the oil on the cause of the problem with ants or use an oil burner to spread the scent.
When using essential oils around dogs, be careful because some of them can hurt them. If you're worried about your pet's safety, talk to a vet before using essential oils in your home.
Vinegar Solution
Ants dislike smells that are acidic. It makes the scent lines they leave behind less clear for other ants to follow. In a spray bottle, mix vinegar and water together until they are all the same amount. If you see ant tracks or a single lost ant, you should spray them. You can also spray them where they like to walk or where they come into your home.
But keep in mind that vinegar has a strong smell that some people might not like, even though it goes away as it dries. If you want to see if vinegar works on a certain surface, like some stones or wood, you should test a small, hidden area first.
To get rid of ants with a vinegar solution, just:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Apply the solution directly to ants, their nests, and any surfaces where ants have been observed.
Be aware that vinegar may not be safe for all surfaces and may leave behind a vinegar smell.
Standard Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Conventional ant control options like ant baits, traps, and sprays can help eliminate ants in your home. To ensure safe and effective use, read and follow the instructions provided with the products.
Ant Baits
Ant baits are an effective method for eliminating ants in your home. These baits contain pesticides and attractants, killing the queen and other ants. The poison takes longer to take effect; worker ants can bring the bait back to the colony, where it kills them right away.
To use ant baits, place them in areas where ants are likely to come, such as close to food sources or entry points. Keep the bait away from children and pets, as the poison can be harmful if eaten.
Ant Traps
Ant traps are another type of bait designed to kill ants. These traps contain a poison that eliminates ants and prevents them from escaping.
To use ant traps, place them near ant trails or areas where ants are likely to gain entry into your home. Keep the traps away from children and pets, as the poison can be harmful if swallowed.
Ant Sprays
Ant sprays can kill ants immediately and keep them from coming back. These sprays are effective for indoor and outdoor use. Ant sprays are especially good at getting rid of ants. In places like cracks, doorways, windowsills, edges of floors, and around trash bins. They offer a fast and handy way to handle any issues.
To use ant sprays, apply them directly to ants and their nests, ensuring even and thorough coverage. Be sure to read the instructions on the label for proper application and safety precautions.
Remember that ant sprays may contain chemicals, so it’s important to use them responsibly and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
Keeping Them Out: Ant Prevention Measures
When you're done getting rid of the ants in your house,. It's important to take steps to stop future outbreaks. Ants can be kept away by cleaning often, sealing off entry spots, and taking care of your yard.
Regular Cleaning
Ants will not come into a clean home. Cleaning surfaces, wiping down furniture and rugs, and vacuuming them can help keep ants away. Ants will be less likely to come to a place if you remove food scraps and block their path.
This will keep ants out of your home. Clean the surfaces and store food in cases that can't be opened. Ant invasions can be avoided by storing food properly and keeping things clean.
Sealing Entry Points
To keep ants out of your home, patch up any cracks or small holes they might use to get in. You should look around your house for these holes if you see any damage or places that are beginning to wear out.
To close these holes, use things like glue or foam. This keeps other bugs out as well as the ants. This will make it less likely that you will have problems in the future.
Garden Maintenance
Making sure your garden is clean will help keep ants away from your house. Ants will be less likely to make your yard their home if you trim back overgrown plants and get rid of trash and old wood.
Don't forget that ants can be helpful. They eat some bugs that we don't like. This makes the dirt better and helps break down things in the ground.
Sometimes, though, having too many ants around our homes can be a bother. Keeping your yard clean and dry will make it less likely that you'll have too many ants and, later, a big ant problem.
When You Need to Call a Pro
Ants can still be a problem even if you use home treatments regularly. When they do, getting help from a professional might be the best thing to do.
From fire ants to carpenter ants, exterminators know a lot about all kinds of ants. In addition to being able to identify ants, they also know how they act, such as where they like to nest and what they eat. Because they know how to do this, they can find and deal with the infestation's root causes, which are the best answers.
Safety is one of the main benefits of hiring pros. Doing it yourself could lead to dangerous chemicals that could hurt your family and pets. Professional exterminators put health first, so they often choose methods that kill ants without hurting people or animals.
So, if the ants keep coming back no matter what you do, it's time to call the pros. They will keep your home free of ants in a way that works, is safe, and lasts.
A Home Free of Ants
Figuring out what the problem is and using the right answers are both parts of getting rid of ants in the house. Whether you use natural remedies in your home or hire a professional, the goal is to make the area where the ants live unpleasant for them.
The key is to know what kind of ants are bothering you, use effective treatments, and make sure you don't let them come back. If you are consistent and work hard, you can get rid of ants from your home.
FAQs
How do I permanently get rid of ants in my house?
To permanently remove ants, mix peppermint or lavender oil with water and spray it around areas where they enter. Keeping your living space clean and dry, with no accessible food, significantly reduces the chances of future infestations.
What causes ants in the house?
Ants mainly enter homes, searching for food and shelter. Even tiny crumbs or a small spill can attract a lot of ants. They can also sneak in through small holes in walls or door gaps. A clean and well-maintained home reduces the risk of an ant infestation.
Can essential oils deter ants?
Yes, essential oils, like peppermint and tea tree, are effective against ants. These oils, when diluted with water and sprayed at entry points or infested areas, can repel them and even kill some species.
Is baking soda effective against ants?
Baking soda can be helpful against ants when mixed with sugar. Ants are drawn to the sugar, but the baking soda negatively affects their digestion, eventually killing them.
How often should I clean to prevent ants?
For best results, clean your home thoroughly at least once a week. Focus on removing any food residues or spills, as these are major attractants for ants.
Are there any specific plants that keep ants away?
Plants like peppermint and lemongrass have strong scents that ants tend to avoid. Growing these plants around your property can act as a natural barrier against ant invasions.