Home Remedy to Kill Ants

Ants are the most common pests found in homes. They are found indoors as well as outdoors. You will be surprised to know that there are more than 12,000 different species of ants. They are social beings that live in large colonies. Ants are an important part of the environment, as they create an ecological balance by feeding on other pests, dead insects and decomposing tissue from dead animals. But in households, they are a nuisance.

Nowadays, instead of chemical pesticides, people are switching to home remedies to tackle the problem of ants. There are two reasons for this change: firstly, using chemicals and poisons is dangerous, as they have long term effects; and secondly, because home remedies are cheaper and less of a burden on the wallet. There are a number of home remedies to kill ants. Some of them are:

Borax: It is a laundry detergent which is mixed with sugar solution in water. This method is very effective. Ants carry the borax into their nests, which kills them. You can also spray the mixture.

Vinegar: Another very effective method to get rid of ants, is to spray vinegar on their entry paths. Strong scent of vinegar, repels ants. Hence, they will avoid vinegar because of its odor. The same can be accomplished with the use of apple cider, peppermint oil and black pepper.

Cucumber: Ants do not like the taste of cucumber. Hence, placing pieces of cucumber in ant-affected areas will make them abandon the place.

Mint: Used mint tea bags are very effective in driving away ants. Put mint tea bags at the points from where ants enter. Mint leaves can also be dried and crushed into a powder, which can be sprinkled at the entry points.

Soap: The ingredients of soap are harmful for ants. The soap breaks down the waxy layer of the insect's exoskeleton and dehydrates them. If you know the entry points of ants, just put some soap. One can also mix soap in water and spray the mixture on them. This home remedy is very effective.

Grits: Spread grits (coarsely ground grain like rice, corn or oats), wherever you see ants. Once the ants have ingested the grit, it expands and as a result, ants die. This method can be used to kill ants outdoors too.

Salt: Spreading salt at the corners and on ant nests is another effective way to repel ants. Mixing salt with hot water and then spraying on ants, is also a good way to get rid of them.

Grease: Grease acts as a toxic barrier. Ants may get attracted towards it at first, but are soon repelled.

Baby Powder: Sprinkle baby powder, wherever you see ants. They hate scented talcum and hence, stay away from it.

Chilly Powder: Putting chilly powder on the nests of ants is another very old home remedy that can help to get rid of them.

These few simple but effective home remedies are sure to keep your house free of ants. You will find these techniques easier to implement. Moreover, these pest control remedies won't burden your wallet.