It turns out ants are a lot like us; they head indoors to cool themselves and find food. Since ants are social creatures, once one finds its way inside your home, the rest won’t be far behind. Over 12,000 species of ants worldwide, most of which are entirely harmless to humans.

It can be irritating to try and limit the ant population in your home, but there are many efficient strategies available for doing so that won’t include killing the insects. Ants will discover any food source, whether crumbs on your kitchen counter or a freshly harvested tomato from your garden.

To learn more about ant control, keep reading!

Borax

It is a naturally occurring mineral that may be used to clean laundry and is toxic to ants if ingested. Leave a syrup made from Borax, water, and sugar in the nooks and crannies where you’ve seen ants. Since the worker ants will transport the liquid back to the nest, Borax can eradicate the entire colony in about 48 hours.

Hot water

Boiling water poured into ant holes may cause damage, but unlike chemical treatments, it contains no chemicals. Though anthills may be smaller, the tunnel systems they hide can be rather extensive.

Vinegar

The vinegar is harmless to ants, but if you drown them in it, you can kill them. An all-natural method for eliminating ants without toxic chemicals is to use a mix of the same parts of vinegar and water when cleaning or spraying the area.

Diatomaceous Earth

It is a white powder formed from diatom fossils and is a natural substance. It eliminates ants and other crawling insects naturally. Sprinkle the powder on ant-prone areas. Diatomaceous earth will attach to the ants, dry out their exoskeletons, and kill them.

Essential Oils

For an all-natural alternative, try using essential oils or other natural repellents. Since ants are sensitive to odors, using scented oils in problem areas of your home may help to deter the pests from those areas, but it probably won’t be enough to wipe out the colony.

Chalk

Chalk lines can be annoying to ants because they interrupt their scent track. Using chalk, draw lines and circles around the perimeters of the locations you don’t want them to enter. It’s a short-term solution, but it should be effective against insects for the time being.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits with a powerful aroma drive away ants. You can use citrus peels from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits to deter intruders. This method of ant control is non-lethal and all-natural.

When To Call A Pest Control Expert

If you have exhausted these options and are still plagued by ants in your home, or if they keep returning, it may be time to call Tornado Pest Control. If you have carpenter ants, which can cause structural damage to your home over time, you must hire a professional who knows how to eradicate the colony. We may use a different method to eliminate ant colony, depending on the severity of the infestation. 

We have several options to help you keep unwanted pests off your property. We take great pride in helping you maintain a pest-free environment in your lovely home. So call us now!