While they appear to be tiny and harmless, ants can actually cause a lot of damage. Not only do they harass households, but can be harmful to people as well, especially for those who are allergic to their venom.
Although this venom is possessed only by some species, those ants are usually the ones that will attack. If you think that only red fire ants can be dangerous and that the black ones are safe, you’re wrong. There’s actually a species of black fire ants that can be as poisonous as the red ones.
Not to mention other black ant species have a strong bite instead of containing venom. If they feel threatened, ants won’t have mercy and will usually attack in groups. So, in order to avoid any issues with these insects, be sure not to handle them regardless of their color.
But unfortunately, a lot of people have issues with these pests. It is because they tend to enter households while searching for food. That’s why you have to make sure that all of your food is tightly sealed and not reachable by any insects. They won’t care if you throw some leftovers in the bin, after all they’re ants. Therefore, also make sure to empty the trash in a timely manner.
So, up until now, we talked about some precautionary measures, but what happens if you’re already deep into a problem? Well, the only thing left is to start killing them.
In order to do the job in the most efficient way, you’ll be required to track their trail to their nest. When you find their mound, digging it out can get you rid of the issue. But, having in mind that some might have escaped, there’s a possibility of new colonies arising.
That’s the reason why you need a prepared ant killer before attending the job. There is a big possibility that you will kill all insects that have already entered the house. There are some fine baits for doing so, but let’s focus on the source of the issue.
A wide variety of ant killers exist and most of them will be very helpful for maintaining an insect-free home. But, having a pet or a small child in your home can reduce the number of products that you can use. Usually, the things that most people avoid using are borax and pesticides. Therefore, we found a few solutions on how to get rid of ants without products that include borax or pesticides.
Ant Killer Spray
Here’s how to make a spray on your own in order to get rid of ants in a few days:
- Find a spray bottle
- Add ¼ cup of purified water
- Add ¼ cup of vodka (Not necessary, but it is used to help suspend the oil in the water. If not in use, make sure to shake the mixture often)
- Add fifteen drops of peppermint essential oil
- Add fifteen drops of tea tree essential oil
- Add seven drops of citrus essential oil (Or two to three drops of clove essential oil)
The good thing about this spray is that you won’t have to search for the nest, as it will be enough to exterminate them from your home. Usually, if ants don’t find your home interesting (if your food is not reachable), it’s possible that they won’t come again. But, you might confront another colony that will be passing by.
Lemon Juice
When it comes to issues with ants, lemon juice is commonly used as a home remedy for their bites. Due to its acidic nature, it can relieve pain and other symptoms that follow up. This is because acid neutralizes the ant’s venom.
But, this juice can also be used for messing up their sense of tracking. If you spray pure lemon juice over areas where ants enter, they can be distracted by the acid. This results in them turning around and getting back to the nest.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of your pests. Diatomaceous earth is a natural ant repellent that works by drying them out. It directly interferes with their exoskeletons, but is safe for humans and pets. The best part is that ants don’t have to eat it in order to lay dead since it isn’t a bait but an actual ant killer.
All you have to do is spread the diatomaceous earth throughout the areas where ants enter. It can also be used both on trails and mounds.
Just make sure that, when you’re buying diatomaceous earth, it is labeled as food. This way you know it passed purification processes and cannot hurt anyone who’s unwary.
Honey
Honey is another home remedy for the ant bites. Believe it or not, honey has a PH level of 3 which means that it’s acidic. As mentioned above, that’s what neutralizes the venom. But since it’s sticky, it can also be used as a trap on the entrance of their pathways. Just be sure to spread it liberally so ants don’t have a clue what’s going on.
Dealing with the Nest
If you find out that the invading colony hides in your backyard, you’ll certainly want to get rid of the nest. This won’t be hard to tell since the only thing you’ll have to do is track down their trail. Have in mind that some nests may be located underneath the ground. In this case, you’ll need a shovel in order to dig it up.
But, before digging, be sure to spread some ant killers around the area. The best thing that you can use is the mentioned diatomaceous earth. Another thing that should be done before the digging process begins is to try killing them. Make sure that you have prepared boiled water. This is the best solution for such cases.
Hot water will kill any ant that gets in touch with it. The good part about it is that you’ll get to kill the queen as well. So, here’s how to do it:
- Slowly pour the heated water into the mound hole
- Dig a bit (So the water can reach even deeper)
- Then apply hot water again
- Repeat until you’re sure that there will be no further issues