Looking for the best ways to get rid of ants?
From cinnamon to chalk and lemons, there are some home remedies that may help.
But first, confirm you know a thing or two about ants and their behavior.
They can live just about anywhere, except for Iceland, Antarctica, and other areas with extreme temperatures.
These tiny insects form colonies or supercolonies and have specific roles, such as queens and workers.
Their diet consists of leaves, seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, worms, and more.
Food preferences vary among species.
Carpenter ants, for example, eat plants and small insects.
The problem is that they also chew wood to build up their nest, explains theNWF.
If left uncontrolled, they may cause structural damage to your home.
Other species seek shelter indoors and can form huge colonies.
Even so, pesticides should be your last resort.
Below are some tips toget rid of antswithout killing them, so you might want to try them out.
These little creepers don’t transmit diseases, but they can damage your windows and doors.
Next, seal all cracks, holes, and other entry points.
Gangloff-Kauffman also suggests fixing your deck, porch, doors, and other structures that may have rotten wood.
If you see ants in your flower pots, sprinkle some coffee grounds over the soil, recommendsCountry Living.
you’re free to also use orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit peel.
These substances act as natural repellents and won’t hurt your children or pets.
Cinnamon essential oil has similar effects, per theInternational Journal of Scientific and Research Publications.
Country Livingsuggests using citrus fruit peels as a natural insecticide.
The citrusy smell will deter ants and keep them from returning to their nests.
The same goes for peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil.
Any of these substances canrepel insectswithout harming them.
Plus, your house will smell nice!
Another option is to clean your floors and other surfaces with vinegar.
Most insects, including ants, dislike its odor.
None of these methods is foolproof, but they might do the trick.
If all else fails, consider using ant baits or traps.
Note, though these products contain toxic chemicals that may pose health risks to pets and children.
The same goes for bug sprays, warns senior scientist Michael Hansen, Ph.D. (viaConsumer Reports).
The chemicals in ant sprays may disrupt endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Some compounds can also affect brain development in children, says Hansen.
