Leftover food around the house often attracts a bunch of pests. From rats to cockroaches and ants.
Ants can be a nuisance as they trail around the house usually in a straight path searching for food. They also seek shelter and water indoors.
Here are some household items you can use to get rid of ants naturally.
White Vinegar
The pungent scent of white vinegar repels ants from entering the house, you can use a mixture of 50-50 vinegar and water and spray the ants.
The mixture is a natural repellant that is easy, effective and affordable. However, remember that the mixture will leave behind the vinegar smell.
Pepper
Ants detest pepper. You can sprinkle the substance in the entrance areas commonly used by ants mainly at the corners of the house.
Also, you can use a pepper and water solution to spray the same areas. It is safe to note that the pepper does not kill the ants but rather repels them.
Glass cleaner and liquid detergent
Ants are known for leaving a scented trail that acts as a map as they go in and out of the house. With a glass cleaner and liquid detergent mix, you can clean the scent and prevent the ants from re-entering the house.
Baking Soda
Ants also hate baking soda. A mixture of baking soda and powdered sugar will kill the insects upon ingestion.
Notably, ensure you ought to keep the mixture away from pets and kids who may consume it.
Oranges or Lemons
Oranges and lemons contain an extract that is toxic to ants. You can put orange and lemon peels in a jar filled with water, store for 3 to 5 days then sieve.
Use the liquid to spray the ants and the ant trail. This method is cheap and non-toxic to kids or pets.
Salt
For effective results, mix water and salt in a bottle and spray it on the ants. The ants will be dehydrated.
Ensure you spray directly at the ants for better results.
Also, spreading salt near the nooks and corners from where ants enter the house will help keep ants away.
Peppermint
Peppermint repels ants due to the smell. Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and a cup of water then spray it on the ants or the ant trail.
The fragrance deters the ants from entering the house.
Chalk
With chalk, you can draw a thick line around the areas frequented by the ants including the entrances. The scent of the chalk derails the ants as they struggle to pick up scents from other ants.
Also, you can spray some powdered chalk in the areas that are the entry points of ants or draw a line of chalk at the entrance.
Cornstarch
This product can easily be bought from the shop. Pour the cornstarch over the ants and add water on top.
This will capture the ants and you can clean it up later. In addition, you can cover the ants with cornstarch and then vacuum them up.
Boiling water
Water is easily available. Boil it and pour it on the cracks that ants use to enter the house.
These lifehacks can help you get rid of ants in your home, and keep it clean.
