How to Get Rid of Ants
When ants invade your home, it can be a real pain. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be a nuisance to deal with. Ants are found on every continent except for Antarctica, so you will likely encounter them at some point.
This page will discuss how to get rid of ants using various methods. We will also provide tips on how to prevent ants from invading your home or business in the first place. Let’s get started.
WHAT TYPE OF ANTS ARE IN
MY HOME?
There are over 12,000 different species of ants in the world, so it isn’t easy to provide a one-size-fits-all solution for getting rid of them. However, there are some general tips that will work for most types of ants.
The best way to determine what type of ant you’re dealing with is to take a picture and submit it to an online identification service. Once you know which kind of ant you’re dealing with, you can research specific methods for getting rid of them.
In general, there are three main types of Ants: carpenter ants, sugar ants, and pavement ants.
CARPENTER ANTS
Carpenter ants are the largest type of ant in North America, and they can cause some serious damage to your home. They typically nest in rotting wood, so if you see an abundance of ants around your windows or doors, there’s a good chance you have a carpenter ant problem.
SUGAR ANTS
Sugar ants are the most common type of ant in North America. They get their name from their love of sugar, but they will also eat other types of food such as meat and vegetables. Sugar ants are most commonly found in the kitchen, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve established a nest.
PAVEMENT ANTS
Pavement ants are small black ants that are common in North America. They typically nest under sidewalks and driveways, so you may see them marching in lines from one place to another. Pavement ants can be challenging to get rid of, but some methods work better than others.
HOW DO I IDENTIFY AN ANT PROBLEM?
If you’re not sure whether you have an ant problem, there are a few things you can look for. Here are some common signs that you have ants:
- You see ants in your home or business
- You see an abundance of anthills or mounds outside
- The ants are entering your home through cracks and crevices in the walls, windows, or doors
- The ants are coming into your home from the soil around your foundation
If you see any of these signs, there’s a good chance you have an ant problem. Be sure to take action quickly, as ants can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve established a nest.
WHAT ATTRACTS ANTS TO MY HOME?
A few things can attract ants to your home or business. Here are some of the most common ones:
Food
Ants are attracted to food, so be sure to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills.
Water
Ants need water to survive so that they may be attracted to leaky faucets or pipes.
Shelter
Ants like to build their nests in warm, dry places, so they may be drawn to your attic or basement.
HOW DO I GET RID OF ANTS IN MY HOUSE?
There are several ways to get rid of ants, but some methods are more effective than others. The following is a guide on how to get rid of ants permanently.
METHOD ONE: Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are one of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of ants. They come in the form of granules, gels, or liquid stations that you place near ant trails. The bait contains poison that kills the ants.
The great thing about ant baits is that they can be used indoors or outdoors, and they’re typically pet-safe. However, they can also be messy if not used properly, so make sure you read the directions carefully before using them.
METHOD TWO: Use an Insecticide
If you’re dealing with a large ant infestation, using insecticide may be the best option. Insecticides are available in liquid or aerosol form, and they can be used indoors or outdoors.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using any type of insecticide. It’s important to avoid contact with the poison, and it’s also essential to keep it away from children and pets.
METHOD THREE: Destroy Ant Nests
In some cases, you may not be able to get rid of all of the ants using baits or insecticides alone. In these cases, it’s necessary to destroy their nests. This can be done manually or using chemical insecticides.
The easiest way to destroy an ant nest is by pouring boiling water on it. However, you can also use a chemical insecticide such as RAID Ant Killer.
METHOD FOUR: Use Home Remedies
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of ants, there are many home remedies that you can try. Some popular methods include using vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon.
Be sure to test any home remedy in a small area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the surface where you plan to apply it. Also, keep in mind that some of these remedies may not be effective against all types of ants.
METHOD FIVE: Call Pest Control
The method that will ensure the job is done safely and effectively is if you call accredited pest control professionals. They will have their own formula of insecticide that they are extremely familiar with, including the safety precautions needed in administering it. This route also requires the least amount of work by you. They will help you get rid of bugs in you basement.
HOW CAN I PREVENT ANTS FROM INVADING MY HOME?
You can do a few things to help prevent ants from invading your home. Here are some tips:
Keep your kitchen clean and free of food scraps
Fix leaky faucets and pipes
Seal up cracks and crevices around your home
Remove moisture from the air using a dehumidifier
Install an ant moat on outdoor objects
If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the chances of getting an ant problem in the first place. However, if you do end up with ants, don’t hesitate to take action quickly. Ants can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve established a nest.
HOW TO GET RID OF ANTS OUTSIDE THE HOUSE?
We’ve talked about getting rid of ants indoors, but what about ants outside the house? How do you get rid of them when they’re coming into your home from the yard or garden?
There are a few different ways to deal with ants outdoors. Here are a few of the most effective methods:
Use boiling water
Boiling water is a great way to get rid of ants outside the house. All you need to do is boil a pot of water and pour it over the anthill. The boiling water will kill the ants and dissuade others from coming near.
Use vinegar
Vinegar is another natural remedy that can be used to get rid of ants outside the house. Pour white vinegar directly on the anthill or spray it around your yard or garden to keep ants away.
Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is also a natural deterrent for ants. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your yard or garden to keep them at bay.
Set out bait traps
Another way to get rid of ants outside the house is to set out bait traps. This involves placing a sweet, sticky substance like honey or sugar water near the anthill and waiting for the ants to take the bait back to the colony. Once they’ve ingested it, the poison will kill them off.
Use insecticide
If all else fails, you can always resort to using an insecticide. Be sure to read the directions carefully and follow all safety precautions when using this type of product.
Call professionals
Again, if you would rather have peace of mind knowing the issue is in the hands of professionals, call a trustworthy pest control company.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
Why do you need to get rid of ants?
Ants can be a nuisance when they invade your home, but they can also be dangerous. Some ants are known to carry diseases like salmonella, and others can cause allergic reactions in some people. So it’s important to get rid of them before they have a chance to cause any damage or spread disease.
2
When to call in pest professionals?
If you’re having trouble getting rid of ants on your own, it may be time to call in the professionals. A pest control company can treat your yard and home with insecticides that will get rid of ants for good. They can also offer tips and advice on how to keep them from coming back.
3
What do ants hate the most?
There are a few things that ants hate the most. These include boiling water, vinegar, lemon juice, and insecticides. You can use any of these remedies to get rid of ants outside of your house.
4
What effect does vinegar have on ants?
Vinegar is a natural deterrent for ants. It can be poured directly on the anthill or sprayed around your yard or garden to keep them away. Vinegar also kills ants on contact.
5
What is an anthill?
An anthill is a mound of earth that ants create as they build their nests. The mounds can be several inches high and can contain hundreds of ants.
Keeping your yard and home free of ants is essential for your health and the health of your family. There are a number of ways to get rid of ants, both naturally and with the help of chemicals. Use these tips to get rid of ants for good and keep them from coming back.
