If you search online for ” methods to get rid of ants”, you’ll find tons of suggestions, including some natural and science-based remedies. They are all natural when compared with most of the pesticides, as many pesticides are irritants. Next time when you’re screwed up with the ant problem, try these natural ways:
1. Vinegar
Wipe down your floors, counters and any other places where you’ve spotted ants with a mixture of white vinegar and water ( 1 part water and 1 part vinegar). Doing this 3-4 times every day to maintain the efficacy.
Why this works: Vinegar is one sure solution as it removes the scent trails that the ants use to get around, and ants hate the smell of vinegar.
2. Baby powder or Chalk
Ants will not cross a line drawn in chalk, and baby powder works as well. You can just draw a line around the entries where they were coming in to keep them at bay.
Why this works: Talcum powder is a natural ant repellent, which is exist in both chalk and baby powder. While some studies have linked talc to cancer, so be careful if you decide to use it.
3. Borax
Mix equal parts Borax and syrup together and place where they will find it.
Why this works: Borax has ability to damage the ants’ digestive systems and their outer skeletons.
4. Plants
Many plants – herbs or spices, work as ant deterrents, including mint leaves, chili pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper and garlic. Sprinkle these in the area where you’ve seen ants.
Why this works: These plants give off a strong scent to repel ants.
5. Coffee grounds
You will not throw out your coffee grounds if you know it’s working for eliminating ants. Sprinkle the used coffee grounds around the outside of your house.
Why this works: Ants are repelled by the scent given off by the coffee grounds.
6. Cucumber peels
Leave some cucumber peels in areas of known ant activity to keep them at bay from your house.
Why it works: Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber, citrus peels are effective too.
More natural tricks –
7. Table salt: add salt to the boiling water and spread in areas where you usually see the ants. This is the best and the cheapest way to treat ants.
8. Soap: The components of soap are harmful to ants. Mix soap with water and spray it in the entry points.
9. Cornmeal: Spread cornmeal over the affected areas, they eat, can’t digest and die.
10. Perfume: Soak cotton balls in a strong perfume and leave some in the affected areas. Ants will stay away from them.
If you are searching for possible ways to get rid of ants, try any of these natural cures. Chemicals are effective while they are not completely safe. Chemicals are with hidden dangers , especially if you have kids in your house. These natural remedies are cheap, so using them one kills two birds with one stone: saves money and gets rid of ants!
Sources:
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/13-natural-remedies-for-the-ant-invasion
http://www.ehow.com/info_10075102_effect-salt-ants.html
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/talcum-powder-and-cancer
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