Away with you pesky ants!

Few things are more annoying than ants invading every nook and cranny of your home. They somehow manage to manoeuvre into just about every jar or container, and the more you wipe away, the more seem to return.

Vinegar

Vinegar is the be all and end all when it comes to natural cleaning as it’s tough on bacteria and dirt. Ever noticed how ants all walk in the same line? Vinegar masks the scent trails they leave, meaning others won’t follow in their footsteps leading to your sugar bowl.  Ants also dislike the smell, so use it often enough and they won’t return. Simply wipe surfaces with a damp cloth doused in vinegar – it’s one of the easiest ways to get rid of ants naturally.

You may be noticing more ants in and around the home, or hopefully the national lockdown has not got you counting and watching ants to pass the time…But when getting rid of ants, you don’t really want to be spraying toxic chemicals on countertops where food is prepared. Try these many fail-safe natural solution tips.

Lemon

Similar to vinegar, lemons have amazing anti-bacterial properties, so cleaning with them is a no-brainer. If you’re lucky enough to have a tree (or if you spotted a good sale on lemons at the grocery store), put the fruit to good use by squeezing out the juice, diluting with water and cleaning everything from floors to countertops with the mixture. The scent will keep your kitchen smelling fresh, and keep ants away.

Essential oils

Essential oils should be a household staple, and peppermint, tea tree and citrus have many benefits when it comes to cleaning. Peppermint essential oil specifically is a great detergent, ants hate it and it smells amazing. If you’re a pet owner, check with your vet to find out if the essential oil you’re using is safe for cats or dogs.

Simply add a few drops to a cotton ball and wipe countertops and areas of entry. It’ll get rid of ants and your home will smell minty-fresh.

TOP TIP

Make a refreshing room spray by mixing 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup vodka, 15 drops peppermint essential oil and 15 drops of tea tree essential oil. Shake before use and spray as needed.

Chalk

However odd it might seem, drawing a thick line in chalk outside windows and other points of entry is a great way to get rid of ants naturally. They don’t like walking through it as it interferes with their important scent trails. Ground cinnamon or coffee granules work just as well.

Food grade diatomaceous earth

It might be a mouthful to pronounce, but food grade diatomaceous earth is one of the easiest ways to get rid of ants naturally. It’s a multi-purpose, all natural silica-based rock powder made from fossilised marine algae. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets, but ants (and other insects) don’t like it at all as it damages the waxy coating of their exoskeleton.

Simply sprinkle some of the powder near spots where there are a lot of ants, and they’ll soon be a worry of the past.

TOP TIP

Make sure to get food grade diatomaceous earth and not the type used to filter swimming pools, as it’s very toxic.

Source: Caxton Magazines – Essentials

Back to top button