How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’ve been outside lately, you may have noticed that ants are everywhere. And if you’re like most people, the last thing you want is for them to invade your home. Luckily, there are ways on how to get rid of ants without using harsh chemicals.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few DIY methods for getting rid of ants, as well as some professional tips for keeping them out of your home for good. So whether you’re dealing with an ant infestation or just want to make sure they don’t come back, read on for expert advice on how to get rid of ants in your home!

What attracts ants and how to prevent them from coming

Ants are attracted to two things: food and shelter. If your home provides both of these things, you’re likely to have an ant problem at some point. To prevent ants from coming into your home, you can do the following:

  1. Start by keeping food sealed tightly and stored in the fridge or pantry. This includes crumbs and spills, as even a small amount of food can attract ants.
  2. Keep an eye out for tiny cracks and holes where ants could enter your home.
  3. Caulk or seal any gaps you find, and make sure doors and windows fit snugly in their frames.

How to identify an ant infestation

If you are seeing an increasing number of ants in your home, you likely have an ant infestation. The good news is that there are many ways to get rid of ants permanently. However, before you can get started, you need to determine which type of ants you are dealing with.

There are many different types of ants, but the most common are carpenter ants, fire ants, sugar ants, and Pharaoh ants. Each type of ant has different behaviors and preferences, so it is important to identify which type you are dealing with before taking action.

  • If you see small, black ants in your kitchen or bathroom, these are most likely sugar ants. Sugar ants are attracted to sweet things, so they are often seen in kitchens where there is food.
  • Pharaoh ants are small, yellow ants that are commonly found in hospitals. These ants are attracted to dirty areas and can spread diseases.
  • Fire ants are red or black ants that bite and sting. They can be very dangerous.
  • Carpenter ants are large, black ants that infest wood. They are often found in homes with water damage.

Once you have identified the type of ant you are dealing with, you can take steps to get rid of them permanently.

The best ways to get rid of ants permanently

There are several ways to get rid of ants permanently. Some of the most popular methods include the following:

  1. Use a DIY ant killer recipe. There are several recipes available online, and most of them involve using common ingredients such as vinegar, soap, or lemon juice.
  2. Use an ant bait. Ant baits are available at most hardware or home improvement stores, and they work by luring ants into a trap where they will then be killed.
  3. Call an exterminator. If you have a serious ant problem, your best bet may be to call a professional exterminator. Exterminators will be able to quickly and effectively get rid of your ant problem.

How to get rid of ants in the kitchen

If you’re dealing with ants in your kitchen, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them permanently. Here are the following steps other options on how to get rid of ants in your kitchen:

  1. Identify where the ants are coming from. This may be an opening in the walls or floor, cracks in baseboards, or even gaps around windows or doors. Once you know where the ants are coming from, you can begin to seal up these openings to prevent more ants from entering your home.
  2. Clean up any food or water sources that the ants may be attracted to. This means wiping up spills, sealing food in containers, and taking out the trash regularly.
  3. Set out ant bait or traps to help get rid of the existing ants. Be sure to read the instructions carefully so that you use these products correctly.
Read More:   How to Install a Dishwasher

Here are other ways to get rid of ants in the kitchen:

  • Use a vinegar and water solution. Mix one part vinegar to three parts water, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on the ants, and they will die immediately.
  • Use boric acid. Boric acid is a white powder that can be found in the hardware store. Sprinkle the powder around the perimeter of the kitchen, and the ants will eat it and die.

How to get rid of ants in the bathroom

If you’re dealing with ants in your bathroom, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. The most important thing is to identify the source of the ants and address it. If you have food left out, be sure to clean it up and store it properly. If you have a leaky faucet, for example, fixing the faucet will get rid of the ants.

If you’re not sure where the ants are coming from, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. These are:

  • Try using an ant baiting system. This will attract the ants and then kill them. You can also try using a pesticide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, and only use pesticides as a last resort.
  • Use homemade ant traps. To make one, mix equal parts borax and sugar. The ants will be attracted to the sugar and then killed by the borax.
  • You can also try using a natural repellent like peppermint or citrus oil. Simply apply the oil to cotton balls and place them around the perimeter of your bathroom.
  • Make sure to keep your bathroom clean and free of food crumbs. Ants are attracted to food, so eliminating their food source will help get rid of them.

How to get rid of ants outside

Interested in getting rid of ants outside? Here are the following steps for you to follow:

  1. Identify the type of ant you are dealing with. There are many different kinds of ants, and each one is attracted to different things. Many different types of ants can invade your home, but the most common type is the pavement ant. These small black ants are about 1/8-inch long and are typically found near sidewalks, patios, and driveways. To get rid of pavement ants, you need to find their nest and destroy it. If you can identify the type of ant you’re dealing with, it will be easier to find an effective solution.
  2. Choose the right method to get rid of the ants. There are many different products on the market, so make sure to read the labels carefully. Some products will only kill the ants on contact, while others will lure them to a bait station where they will consume poison and die.
  3. Apply the method and wait for results. Once you’ve chosen your method, follow the instructions carefully. Be patient and give the product time to work.
  4. Monitor the area to ensure that all the ants are gone. Inspect your property for sources of food and water and seal up any entry points into your home. Once the ants are gone, take steps to prevent them from returning.
  5. Repeat as necessary. If you see ants again, simply repeat the process. With a little patience and effort, you can get rid of ants for good.
  6. Take preventative measures. Once you’ve gotten rid of the ants, take steps to prevent them from coming back. Remember to keep your garbage and recycling bins clean and sealed, and try to avoid leaving food out in the open. You should also empty and refill your birdbath every few days.
Read More:   How To Remove Wallpaper - An Overview

Other tips that you can do to get rid of ants outside your home:

  • Ants are attracted to food, so make sure to keep your garbage and recycling bins clean and sealed. You should also try to avoid leaving food out in the open, especially sweet food like fruits and candy. If you have a picnic table, make sure to sweep up any crumbs after you’re done eating.
  • Ants need water to survive, so try to eliminate any sources of standing water on your property. If you have a birdbath, empty it out and refill it every few days.
  • Try using a natural ant repellent like diatomaceous earth or citrus oil. These substances will kill ants without harming plants or animals.
  • Remember that prevention is key. Take note of these tips and you’ll be less likely to have an ant problem in the future.

How to make a natural ant repellent

There are many different ways to make a natural ant repellent, but one of the most effective is using peppermint oil. Simply apply the oil to cotton balls and place them around the perimeter of your bathroom. You can also try using citrus oil, which is another natural ant repellent.

To make this natural ant repellent, you will need:

  • Peppermint oil
  • Citrus oil
  • Cotton balls
  • A clean spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the spray bottle.
  2. Add 10 drops of peppermint oil and 10 drops of citrus oil.
  3. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine the oils.
  4. Soak the cotton balls in the mixture and then place them around your bathroom, or wherever you’ve seen ants.
  5. Replace the cotton balls every few days, or as needed.

With a little bit of effort, you can get rid of ants for good using natural methods. By taking some preventative measures and being diligent about cleanliness, you can keep your home ant-free.

Other Natural Ant Repellents That You can Use

Ants are one of the most common pests in the home, and they can be difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, several natural ant repellents can help to keep them at bay. These are:

  • Vinegar. One of the most effective repellents is vinegar. The acidic nature of vinegar deters ants, and it can also help to clean up any trails that they leave behind.
  • Cayenne Pepper. Another effective repellent is cayenne pepper. The spice irritates ants, and it also makes it difficult for them to smell their way back to their nest.
  • Coffee Grounds. Coffee grounds are also an effective ant repellent. The strong smell confuses ants and prevents them from finding their way back home.

How to make an ant bait station

Ant bait stations are a great way to get rid of ants. They are easy to make and can be used in any area where ants are present.

To make an ant bait station, you will need:

  • A small container (such as a yogurt cup or a plastic food container)
  • Borax
  • Sugar
  • Water

Here are the instructions:

  1. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar together in the container.
  2. Add water to the mixture until it is wet, but not too runny.
  3. Place the bait station in an area where ants are present.
  4. Check the bait station every few days and replenish the mixture as needed.

The sugar in the bait station will attract the ants, while the borax will kill them. This method is safe but still keep out of reach of children and pets.

brown and black ant on white surface

What to do if you have an ant bite?

If you have an ant bite, the first thing you should do is try to remove the ant. If the ant is still attached to your skin, you can try using a tweezers or a cotton swab to gently coax it off. Once the ant is removed, you can clean the bite with soap and water.

If you notice any swelling or redness, you can apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes. If you’re experiencing pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. If you have any allergies to ants or bee stings, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Read More:   How to Fish Wire Through Wall Using a Glow Rod

In most cases, ant bites are relatively harmless and will go away on their own within a few days. However, if you develop any serious symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

How to prevent ants from coming back

There are a few things that you can do to prevent ants from coming back. Here are some notable steps:

  1. Identify the areas of your home where ants are coming in. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and openings for utilities.
  2. Once you’ve identified the entry points, seal them with caulk or another type of sealant.
  3. Keep your home clean by vacuuming regularly and wiping up spills immediately. Ants are attracted to food and water, so a clean home is less likely to attract them.
  4. Store food in airtight containers and keep your counters and floors clean of crumbs.
  5. Reduce the amount of moisture in your home by fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ventilating damp areas such as the bathroom and laundry room.
  6. Take measures to control the ant population in your yard. Remove sources of food and water, such as pet food, bird feeders, and standing water.
  7. Trim trees and shrubs so they’re not touching your house.
  8. Call a professional exterminator if you have an infestation that you can’t get under control.

Conclusion

There are many ways to get rid of ants, and the best way to get rid of ants depends on the specific situation. If you have ants in specific areas such as your kitchen or bathroom, there are additional steps you can take to get rid of them. In the kitchen, for example, be sure to keep food sealed and clean up any spills immediately.

In the bathroom, caulk any cracks or holes where ants might be coming in. Outside, remove any sources of food or water that might be attracting ants. In general, though, it is important to find and eradicate the nest to eliminate the ant problem.

There are many different ways to do this, from using commercial products to homemade remedies. Some people also find success by simply making their homeless inviting to ants. Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and be patient; it may take some time to get rid of all the ants.

FAQs

How do I get rid of ants?

There are a few things you can do to get rid of ants. You could try using an insecticide, but if you don’t want to use chemicals, there are some home remedies you can try, like using soap and water or making a homemade ant bait.

What is the best way to kill ants?

The best way to kill ants depends on the type of ant you’re dealing with. If you’re dealing with carpenter ants, for example, you’ll need to use a different method than if you’re dealing with sugar ants. Carpenter ants are attracted to wood, so you’ll need to use an insecticide that targets them specifically. Sugar ants, on the other hand, are attracted to sweet things, so you can make a homemade ant bait using sugar and water.

What is the best way to prevent ants from coming into my home?

The best way to prevent ants from coming into your home is to keep your house clean and free of food debris. Ants are attracted to food, so if there’s nothing for them to eat in your house, they’ll be less likely to come inside. You should also try to seal up any cracks or holes in your walls or foundation, as these can give ants a way into your home. Finally, you can try using an ant repellent around the perimeter of your house.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


Disclosure: handyman.guide participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

HandyMan.Guide
Logo