For many people, ants are a constant problem and can be very frustrating to deal with. But, there are several natural and homemade remedies that can help you keep ants away from your home. In this article, we will share some of the ways you can keep ants away.
Cleanliness is Key
The first step to keeping ants away is to keep your house clean and tidy. Ants are attracted to food and crumbs left out on the counter or floor. Wipe down counters and tables after every meal, and sweep the floor regularly.
Store Food Properly
Proper food storage is the key to keeping ants out of your pantry. Store all food in airtight containers, including cereal, sugar, flour, and pet food. Ants can also get into bags of chips and crackers, so it is best to transfer them to a sealed container. Make sure to also clean up any spills or crumbs in your pantry to prevent ants from being attracted to the area.
Use Vinegar
Ants are repelled by the smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the areas you want to keep ants away from. You can use this solution on countertops, doorways, and windowsills. Repeat the process every few days to maintain the effectiveness of this solution.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an effective natural solution to keep ants away. The strong smell of peppermint oil masks the scent trails that ants follow to find food. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with 2 cups of water and spray around the areas where you want to keep ants away. You can also make a cotton ball and put peppermint oil on it, and place it on the areas where ants enter.
Lemon Juice
The strong citrusy smell of lemon juice repels ants. You can use pure lemon juice and spray in the areas that have ants. You can also mix equal parts of lemon juice and water to create a spray solution. Wipe down the counters and other surfaces with the solution to repel ants.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are another natural remedy to keep ants away. You can place bay leaves in the areas where ants are found or near doorways and windowsills. The strong aroma of bay leaves repels ants. You can also crush the bay leaves to release their scent, making it more effective.
Seal Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to keep ants away is to seal all the entry points they use to get into your home. This includes cracks around windows, doors, and screens. You can also use caulk to seal any holes or gaps on walls, baseboards, and other areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping ants away is not rocket science. With proper cleaning and storage, natural remedies, and sealing entry points, you can easily keep these tiny insects at bay. Try a few of these methods and see which one works best for you. You may also consider hiring a professional pest control service if the problem persists.