Ants can quickly invade our homes and gardens, causing inconvenience and sometimes even damage. Fortunately, there are natural and effective tips to keep these small insects away without using chemicals. Here are 5 tips to help protect your home and garden from ant invasions.
1. Use white vinegar as a repellent
THE White vinegar is an excellent natural repellent against ants. It disrupts their olfactory system and keeps them away effectively. To use, mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle, then spray the mixture on areas where ants are present or on their entry points into the house. You can also clean your work surfaces and floors with this mixture to prevent ants from settling there.
Regularly renew the application
To maintain the effectiveness of white vinegar, it is recommended to renew the application every day for a few days, then more often as needed.
2. Create natural barriers with repellent plants
Certain plants have the ability to naturally repel ants and can be used to surround your home or protect your garden. Among these plants are:
- Lavender
- Absinthe
- The Basilic
- marigolds
- peppermint
plant them near areas you want to protect and around your home to create an ant repellent barrier.
Use the essential oils of these plants
If you can’t plant these plants around your house, try using their essential oils. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.
3. Prevent ants from accessing food
Ants are attracted to food, especially sweet foods. To prevent them from invading your home, follow a few simple rules:
- Keep your food in airtight containers
- Regularly clean your kitchen and work surfaces
- Quickly dispose of leftover food and crumbs
- Avoid leaving food lying around outside, such as overripe fruit
By adopting these good habits, you will limit the attraction of your home for ants and reduce their presence.
4. Use Baking Soda and Sugar Traps
Another natural and effective way to keep ants away is to use traps made from baking soda and sugar. Baking soda is toxic to ants when ingested, while sugar attracts them. To prepare this trap, mix one part baking soda with one part powdered sugar.
Place traps near infested areas
Then scoop the mixture into small containers or on aluminum foil and place them near areas infested by ants. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, will also ingest the baking soda, which will gradually eliminate them.
5. Block Ant Entry Points
To prevent ants from invading your home, it is important to block their entry points. Regularly inspect the walls, baseboards and windows of your home for any cracks or holes through which ants could pass.
Seal the cracks with putty
Use caulk or silicone to seal cracks and keep ants out. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth, a natural insecticide, around entry points to deter ants from approaching.
By following these 5 natural and effective tips, you should be able to keep ants away from your home and garden without resorting to harmful chemicals. Feel free to adjust these methods as needed and combine them for optimal protection.
