Are ants invading your home? If so, you’re probably wondering how you can evict them yourself.
You may also be wondering if DIY ant treatments actually work.
DIY ant treatment can get rid of ants but with some caveats. For starters, these DIY methods may prevent them from entering your home, but they won’t stop the issue. The only way to prevent ants is by locating the root cause or entry points.
Keep in mind that ant entry points can be difficult to detect, especially if they’re coming in from beneath a floor covering or within a wall void. While DIY treatments might temporarily deter them from entering your home, odds are they’ll return once you stop using your homemade methods (provided these methods work at all). Some home remedies can also push ants into other areas of the home further exacerbating the problem.
If you’re wondering how to
get rid of ants permanently, the best way is with professional pest removal services. They know how to detect common ant entry points and are expertly trained in preventing ants from returning.
Consider the following if you want to try some DIY ant removal tricks at home.
Vinegar
Vinegar is the best option for DIY treatment for ants. It’s
non-toxic pest control, cheap, and does double-duty as a weed killer.
In a clean spray bottle, simply mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and spray any area where you see ants entering your home.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is another popular DIY ant removal method. As with vinegar, it’s a natural home remedy and won’t harm people or pets. It also won’t harm the environment.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is just the fossilized remains of little aquatic organisms. This powder is composed of tiny little sharp points that cut and kill insects. It coats them and slowly dehydrates them, stripping them of their oils and fats.
All you need to do is sprinkle it around your baseboards or any other areas where you see ants entering your home. This can be very effective for several different types of insects but should be used alongside other treatment methods.
Castile Soap
If you’re looking for another DIY ant repellent, consider
castile soap.
Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap is a very popular castile soap and is available in most retail stores. All you need to do is mix 1/4 cup of castile soap with one quart of water, shake, and spray it around any ants you see.
Ant traps (Poison-Free)
Another inexpensive DIY ant remover is poison-free ant traps. They’re safe for use around children and pets.
The traps contain pheromones that lure ants inside. They also attract other insects. Once inside, they’re stuck in a sticky box.
Chalk, Salt, or Cornmeal
Chalk can deter ants. Simply grind up common white chalk (you can purchase it at the grocery store or a stationary store) or head to your local hardware store for some powdered chalk. Put the chalk in a squeeze bottle and draw a line around your baseboards to prevent ants from crossing the line.
You can do the same with salt or cornmeal. Remember that this won’t get rid of ants — it only deters them. They may find another way of entering your home.
DIY Ant Treatment: What Gets Rid of Ants?
While a DIY ant treatment can temporarily relocate them, you may find the ants come back at a later time or use another entry point altogether. When treating an ant infestation several methods need to be combined to get long-lasting results.
Interior baiting, dusting of all cracks and crevices, and exterior and interior spraying are usually suggested. All of these treatments are performed very precisely in the areas where ants travel and can go a long way in breaking up small or large infestations alike.
The best ant removal treatment is the preventative kind. That’s where Serene Property Services comes into play. We offer custom-tailored maintenance programs to prevent a large host of insects that are also safe for pets, people, and the environment!
Give us a call today to schedule your next ant removal services. We service Sparta, NJ, and all of Sussex County, NJ, along with Warwick, NY.
