Seeing a swarm of ants on the floor, walls, or kitchen counter is one of the most annoying problems you can have at home. Fortunately, pest control experts say there are some simple and effective ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.
According to them, the first step is to understand what type of ants you are dealing with. This helps to choose the most appropriate solution. In many cases, closing off the entry points and keeping the house clean is enough to solve the problem.
How to distinguish the type of ants
The type of ants can also indicate the reason why they entered the house.
Sugar ants
They are small, brown or black in color, and are attracted to sweet foods. If they appear in your kitchen or pantry, they are likely to be these.
Lemon-scented ants
They are light yellow or reddish brown in color. When crushed, they emit a lemon-like odor. Their presence can be a sign that there is moisture in the house.
Sidewalk ants
They are dark brown or black. They usually build nests under sidewalks and enter homes through cracks.
Wood ants
They often indicate that there is moisture or water leakage somewhere in the house. They gnaw at wood to create shelter, but they do not feed on it.
How to get rid of ants
1. Seal all cracks
Ants can get in through even the smallest of spaces. Carefully check windows, doors, and any cracks in walls or floors. Use silicone or caulk to seal them, and if necessary, place weatherstripping under exterior doors.
2. Use baited traps
Instead of spraying insecticides right away, experts advise using bait traps. Worker ants take the bait to the nest and distribute it throughout the colony, eliminating far more than what is visible on the surface.
3. Keep the house as clean as possible
This is especially important if you have ants that seek out sweet foods.
Store foods in well-sealed containers.
Clean up crumbs and food debris immediately.
Wipe down the counter, tables, and floor regularly.
4. Prepare a natural repellent
You can also try some simple mixtures.
With dishwashing detergent
10% dishwashing detergent
90% water
Pour it into a spray bottle, spray directly on the ants, and clean them up.
With essential oils
1 glass of water
10 drops of peppermint, thyme or citrus oil
Spray the surfaces where ants appear.
With white vinegar
Half a glass of white vinegar
Half water
The mixture acts as a natural repellent. Spray it where ants pass, but avoid using it on natural stone surfaces.
How not to come back
Once you've gotten rid of them, some habits can help keep them from coming back.
Do not leave food exposed.
Clean up any liquid or food spills immediately.
Store foods in airtight containers.
Wipe down the counter and floor every evening before you go to bed.
Place decorative stones or gravel near the base of the house, as they can create a natural barrier for some types of ants.
With a little care and regular maintenance, in most cases you can keep ants away without the need for more drastic measures.
-
It's not just food: This unexpected habit can make you gain weight
July 16, 1:14 PM -
-
-
-
-
