You know the drill: stop those first few ants from marching into your home or apartment and you might just keep them all out for good. Let the first couple ants go, though, and they’re likely to report back to their friends and show them the way inside. So, how do you get rid of ants before they take over? Just like getting rid of mice, getting rid of ants isn’t fun, but it’s completely doable. Here are a few natural remedies to cure your apartment of ants.
1. Keep Things Clean
The best way to get ahead of those pesky ants is to keep everything clean and tidy. Consider getting air-tight, sealable storage containers for gains, cereals, and other dry foods. This way, when you aren’t using them, they’re sealed up and out of sight (and reach) from ants.
Clean up spills quickly so nothing will attract ants to your floors or countertops. Sticky things like honey, syrup, jam, and sugar-based foods are especially attractive to ants, so make sure you’re cleaning up your mess after every spill or cooking session.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
This naturally-occurring sedimentary rock is best used outdoors. Place a line of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) on a horizontal surface, like a cement sidewalk or patio flooring. As an ant tries to cross the DE line, the powder will attach to them and kill them (we’ll spare you the details on how it’s done, though). Just rest assured that the DE line will stop the ants in their tracks and inhibit them from marching into your home.
3. Talcum Powder
In a similar way, talcum, or baby powder, can also be used to get rid of ants. Find the entry points the ants have been using to get into your house, sprinkle a line of talcum powder down to create a firewall, and watch it do its work. Since ants breathe through something called spiracles on the sides of their bodies, the attached baby powder will clog their airways, killing them quickly.
4. Water and White Vinegar
If you’re a little more patient or don’t mind trying a few times to get rid of the ants, try filling a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% white vinegar. Spray the ants as you see them, and try to find the ant hill, too. The combination generally takes a few times to kill the ants, but it works. Just be patient; you might have to do a few rounds of spraying before seeing results.
5. Terro Ant Bait
Terro is made with Borax, an ingredient commonly-found in many household products like soap and laundry detergents. Terro liquid ant baits come in a variety of 6 and 12-packs, and the liquid is sold in a 1 oz. bottle. Customers are loyal and swear by this product, so you’re in good hands if go the Terro route.
6. Homemade Bait
We know now that Borax will kill ants, and that sugar-based foods will attract them. Why not put the two together and make a homemade ant trap? Mix 1 part borax with 3 parts sugar or powdered sugar (try ¾ cup sugar and ¼ cup borax) and lay down the trap in a place where ants are likely to go. The sugar will attract them to the trap and the borax will eliminate them.
Know any other great ways to get rid of ants? Let us know! We’re always looking for quick tips and tricks that will help make your apartment feel like home.
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