How to Get Rid of Ants in House – Ants are among the most common household pests in Canada, particularly during warmer months. Whether you’re dealing with tiny sugar ants in your kitchen or persistent weaver ants near your home, finding an effective way to get rid of ants is crucial. While chemical sprays and professional pest control are options, many homeowners prefer natural ant repellents and homemade ant killers to keep their homes safe and chemical-free.
In this guide, we’ll explore household ways to get rid of ants, including homemade ant killer recipes, natural ant deterrents, and preventive measures to ensure ants don’t return.
Why Do Ants Enter Your Home?
Ants usually invade homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Even the smallest crumbs or spills can attract them. Common entry points include gaps in windows, doors, and cracks in walls. Once they find a food source, they leave a scent trail for other ants to follow, leading to a full-blown infestation.
Understanding what attracts ants is the first step in how to get rid of ants permanently. Keeping your home clean and sealing entry points can help, but sometimes, you need stronger solutions like ant pesticide homemade mixtures or natural ant repellents.
Natural Ways How to Get Rid of Ants in House
1. Homemade Ant Killer with Borax
One of the most effective DIY homemade ant killers uses borax and sugar. The sugar attracts the ants, while the borax acts as a poison.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 part borax with 3 parts sugar.
- Add a little water to form a paste.
- Place the mixture near ant trails or entry points.
The ants will carry the mixture back to their nest, killing ants at the source. This borax ant killer formula is especially useful for getting rid of ants in kitchen areas.
2. Vinegar Solution for Ant Control
Ants dislike the strong smell of vinegar, making it a great natural ant repellent.
How to use:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray along baseboards, windowsills, and ant trails.
- Repeat daily until ants are gone.
Vinegar also erases their scent trails, disrupting their communication.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (Natural Ant Powder)
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic ant killer that works by dehydrating ants.
Application:
- Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth near entry points.
- Reapply after rain or if it gets wet.
This homemade ant powder is safe for pets and humans but deadly for ants.
4. Essential Oils as Ant Repellent
Certain scents ants hate include peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils.
How to use:
- Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray around doors, windows, and ant-prone areas.
This natural bug spray for ants keeps them away without harsh chemicals.
5. Lemon Juice and Cinnamon for Ants
Both lemon juice and cinnamon disrupt ant trails and repel them.
Methods:
- Squeeze lemon juice near entry points.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon along ant paths.
Does cinnamon repel ants? Yes! Many homeowners use cinnamon for ants as a natural deterrent.
How to Get Rid of Ants in House with Common Household Items That Kill Ants
1. Baking Soda and Sugar
A mixture of baking soda and sugar acts as a homemade poison for ants.
Recipe:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar.
- Place near ant trails.
The sugar lures them in, while the baking soda reacts with their digestive system, killing ants naturally.
2. Dish Soap Spray
A simple dish soap and water solution can kill ants on contact.
How to make:
- Mix 1 tbsp dish soap with 1 cup water.
- Spray directly on ants or their trails.
This ants spray homemade method breaks down their protective coating, dehydrating them.
3. Cornmeal – Does It Kill Ants?
Some believe cornmeal kills ants because they can’t digest it. However, it’s more of a deterrent than a killer.
How to use:
- Sprinkle cornmeal near ant entry points.
- Ants may carry it back but won’t die from it.
For a stronger effect, combine it with borax.
How to Get Rid of Ants in House And Prevent Ants from Coming Back
1. Seal Entry Points
Check for cracks in walls, gaps in windows, and door seals. Use caulk or weather stripping to block ants from entering.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
- Wipe down countertops daily.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Take out the trash regularly.
3. Use Natural Ant Repellents Regularly
- Place cucumber peels or citrus rinds near entry points.
- Spray peppermint oil around the house monthly.
4. Remove Outdoor Attractants
- Keep firewood away from the house.
- Trim tree branches touching the roof.
- Fix leaky pipes or standing water.
How to Get Rid of Ants in House And When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service
While home remedies for ants work for minor infestations, severe cases may need professional help. If you’ve tried natural ant killers and still see ants, it’s time to contact a pest control expert in Canada.
Local Pest Control IPM Pest Solutions Help You ForHow to Get Rid of Ants in House
Getting rid of ants doesn’t always require harsh chemicals. With homemade ant killers, natural repellents, and good hygiene, you can eliminate tiny ants and prevent future invasions. Whether you use borax, vinegar, or cinnamon, consistency is key in how to get rid of ants in house effectively.
For persistent ant problems, consider consulting a local pest control service to ensure your home stays ant-free year-round.
