Mia
Ants are one of the most impressive species. Though they have limited cognitive ability, they form large, complex societies that play essential roles in the ecosystem. However, the last thing you want is for ants to dominate your home – unless you find the sight of them scurrying around your home appealing.
On the other hand, having ants in the garden can be beneficial. They help form complex underground tunnels that make it easier for root systems to absorb moisture and nutrients.
However, excessive nest building by ants can disturb plant roots. What’s more, species like termites and carpenter ants can destroy garden plants. You may visit homepestcontrol.org to learn more about ant’s biology.
But in this post, we explore how to get rid of ants.
- Eliminate food sources from your home and garden
If you sight ants scurrying you home, chances are there’s a food source nearby. Ants feed on sugar, so they are attracted to jelly, syrup, honey, candy, and juice. That’s why you must store sweets appropriately.
Also, ensure that you promptly clean off spilled food. What’s more, make sure you regularly empty bins inside and out. Try to keep compost far enough from your indoors or your garden. Why? Compost contains recycled foods that attract insects like ants. The last thing you want is for wandering ants in your compost to find their way into your house.
- Use hot/cold water
Ants are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Locate their colonies in your garden and pour hot or cold water into it. This will help disrupt their territory. Since we aim to protect the garden, it’s important not to pour hot water in nests close to the vegetation.
- Get a professional pest control company involved.
Sometimes, trying to get rid of ants yourself can be challenging. When all you’ve been attempting fails to work, it is time to bring in experts. Experts at pest control companies like Magic Touch Exterminating and Wildlife Control have an adept understanding of ant behavior. They apply this knowledge to develop a custom solution for your unique ant problems.
- Introduce beneficial nematode
Nematodes are the organic grower’s biological weapon. They not only kill ants, but they also kill a host of other farm pests like slugs and weevils. Introducing nematodes into your garden can help keep the ant population in check.
- Try Repellents
There are several species known to keep ants away. Examples include cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, vinegar, chalk, cornflower, etc. Try applying any of these substances in strategic locations in your yard to keep ants away.
- Use boric acid and sugar.
This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of ants. Mix boric acid with sugar until it turns into a paste. Place small amounts of this paste near the nest’s entrance. Ants love sweet things, so they pick up this substance and take it to other ants in the colony, including the queen. As they consume the poison, they begin to die.
- Use liquid Soap and Oil.
This is a simple DIY ant-killing combo. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap with half a tablespoon of regular cooking oil. Apply this mixture into their nest to weaken their exoskeleton and suffocate them.
- Try Chemical Repellents
Some garden ants may resist all you do. When this happens, the best approach is to use chemicals that kill ants without harming plants. Note that chemical repellents are more expensive than household solutions, but they are usually more effective. Examples include Maxforce Fleet, Taurus SC, and Ant bait kit.
