How to Get Rid of Ants

What Do Ants Hate the Most?

We often hear people suggest using vinegar to ward off ant infestations. While vinegar works, it's not always the go-to solution. So, what do ants hate the most?

Cinnamon

Did you know that ants abhor cinnamon? Yes, the delightfully earthy spice that you sprinkle in your morning coffee or on your oatmeal. Cinnamon is highly acidic and contains essential oils that naturally repel ants. If you have ants crawling everywhere, consider sprinkling some cinnamon powder in their pathways, and watch the magic unfold. The ants will avoid the area and run around like they've seen a ghost. Cinnamon may leave behind a strong scent, but it's a small price to pay compared to harboring an ant infestation.

Peppermint

Peppermint is pleasant and refreshing to human senses. Still, to ants, it's a severe irritant that they try to avoid as much as possible. Therefore, if you notice ants invading your space, consider using a few drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with water and spray it wherever you see them crawling. Peppermint will instantly repel them, and they won't return because the scent lingers for a while.

Mint Tea

Most people think that mint tea and peppermint essential oil work the same magic, but this is not true. Ants cannot stand the aroma of mint tea, and the scent blocks their ability to detect pheromones and other signals they use to find food sources. Therefore, if you are hosting an ant invasion, steep some mint tea, let it cool, and add it to a spray bottle to douse areas where ants crawl. Your house will smell refreshingly minty, and no hungry ants will come back to scout the area.

Lemon

Lemons have a sour taste and scent effective in deterring ants from invading our living spaces. Ants cannot stand lemon juice or vinegar made from fermenting lemon peels. Lemon juice has the same acidity level as vinegar, and when applied to the areas of ant infestations, it removes any scent trails that ants have laid for their colony to follow. To take it up a notch, consider freezing some lemon peels and grinding them into a powder. Sprinkle the powder in spaces where you do not want ants to crawl. The ants will avoid the areas and crawl around frantically, looking for other food sources.

Must Read : How to Get Rid of Ants

How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently?

Find the Source of the Infestation

Before you start taking any preventive measures, you need to find out where the ants are coming from. It may involve a bit of detective work, but in order to eliminate them completely, you need to locate their nest. Follow the ant trails and look for cracks or any tiny openings on the walls, windows, and doors. Identifying the source of the infestation will give you a better chance of getting rid of the ants.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that can be used to ward off ants. For instance, vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon can be used as natural repellents. They can help mask the chemical trails that ants use to follow each other. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water and spray the mixture onto the areas ants frequent. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or lemon juice around the entry points to your home. This will help to repel the ants and keep them away.

Chemical Treatments

If the natural remedies do not work or the infestation is too severe, you may need to use chemical treatments. Ant baits, insecticidal sprays, and powders can be used to kill ants. However, make sure you follow the instructions carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Insecticidal sprays and powders can also have a negative impact on the environment. Hence, it is best to use them only as the last resort.

Seal all the Possible Entry Points

Prevention is the key to keeping ants away. Seal all the cracks, openings, and gaps that may be used as entry points by ants. Use caulking or weather stripping to seal the gaps around your doors and windows. Repair any leaks that could attract the ants to your home. Keep your food containers sealed and the kitchen clean, as ants are attracted to crumbs and spills.

Hire a Professional

If the infestation is too severe for you to handle, it is best to call for professional help. Pest control professionals are trained to identify the type of ant infestation and use the appropriate treatment to get rid of ants. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Ants can be a major nuisance, but with a little effort, you can keep them out of your home for good. Use these tips and tricks to eliminate ant infestations, and prevent them from returning. Remember, the key to getting rid of ants is to remove their food sources, eliminate their colonies, and seal any entry points into your home. With a little patience and perseverance, you can say goodbye to ants forever!

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