Ants are one of the most common nuisances for householders. They easily gain access to every corner of the house and make it difficult to maintain a pest-free environment. To make things even harder, there are over 12,000 species of ants in the world — Fire ants, carpenter ants, bullet ants, etc.
Each species has a distinct size, behaviour, and habitat. Because of this, using a commercial ant killer may not be as effective as targeted ant pest control. On top of it, these products contain harsh chemicals that can harm pets and even humans.
But you may say you have no other choice at the moment.
Yes, you do; you can try organic pest control before you are ready for a professional one. Some of the all-natural solutions are exceedingly effective than a regular ant killer.
Look at our top 5 organic ant baits!
Diatomaceous Earth: Nature’s Insecticide
It’s a fossilized substance made of the remains of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. DE is an incredibly effective solution to rid your home of ants. This fine powder dehydrates ants to death.
Thus, DE is often the most preferred way to deal with pesky ants for householders. The application of it is also quite simple.
- To begin with, locate ant trails and nest entrances in and around your home. Ants are most active in these areas.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of Diatomaceous Earth powder along the identified pathways and nests.
- The ants carry this powder back to their nests, as they usually do, affecting the other ants as well.
- Reapply the powder as you see fit until the pest infestation subsides.
However, bear in mind that Diatomaceous Earth can be abrasive, and you must avoid inhaling it. If you have pets, keep them away. It’s best to use it in areas where it will not be blown away or disturbed.
Vinegar Solution: A Natural Ant Repellent
Vinegar is a potent solution for various cleaning purposes. It is also equally effective for ant pest control because of its strong odour. This odour disrupts the ants’ scent trails, making navigation difficult for them.
Here’s how you make the ant repellent using vinegar:
- Combine equal measures of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Locate ant entry points and spray the solution in those areas generously.
- Wipe down surfaces with this solution to eliminate any pheromone trails left by ants.
- Repeat the process regularly, especially after cleaning, to maintain the ant-free environment.
Vinegar has a strong smell that some may not tolerate. If it’s the case with you, you can also combine a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or lemon, to make the scent more pleasant.
Essential Oils: Nature’s Scents to the Rescue
Essential oils have been increasingly used in recent times for various purposes. Pest control is one of them. Along with its pleasant aroma, essential oils also have the ability to deter ants and other pests.
Particularly useful essential oils are peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, and tea tree. They spread a pleasing scent in the house as they fight against ants. Here’s how you put essential oils to use:
- Combine a few drops of your desired essential oil with water and keep it in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray the liquid in areas where ants are active or where you want to prevent their entry.
- You may also soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them near ant entry points.
- Refresh the application as needed, as the scent may fade over time.
Coffee Grounds: A Sustainable Ant Repellent
Do you know that the coffee grounds you throw away still have some use? You can use them as an ant repellent, and it is very effective. Coffee grounds are abundant in nitrogen, which is toxic to ants.
Here’s how you use coffee grounds as ant repellent:
- First, save your used coffee grounds and let them dry out.
- Sprinkle the dried coffee grounds in areas where you have seen ants.
- You can also build a protective barrier by placing the grounds around windowsills, doorways, and other potential entry points.
Simple as that! The scent of coffee can also interfere with the ants’ ability to follow scent trails, making it harder for them to locate food sources in your home. Plus, it’s a sustainable and eco-friendly way to repel ants while recycling your coffee waste.
Borax and Sugar Bait: An Effective Homemade Ant Killer
Our last organic pest-control solution is Borax + Sugar. Borax is a natural mineral that is harmful to ants when ingested. Combining this with sugar becomes a powerful solution to eliminate ants. This can effectively wipe out the entire ant colony.
- Mix equal measures of borax and sugar in a bowl.
- Add a small amount of water to create a paste-like consistency.
- Place small portions of the mixture in areas where ants are active or near their nest entrances.
- The ants get drawn to the sugar and carry the toxic borax back to their colony, eventually exterminating it.
However, be cautious when using borax if you have children or pets. Keep the bait out of their reach and avoid using it in areas they can easily reach.
Would You Rather Have a Professional Job Done?
RF Pest Management is adept at dealing with various pest types, from ants to rodents to spiders. Our safe, fast, and effective services have gained widespread popularity as the best ant exterminator in Melbourne.
So, feel free to reach out to us for any pest control requirements.
