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February 10, 2023Ants, Pests

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

From fire ants to carpenter ants, these insects are a nuisance in any home. Almost all types of food and drinks attract them, but they’re particularly drawn to sweet foods like syrup and fruit juice. Getting rid of them doesn’t have to be complicated—and it doesn’t necessarily require harsh chemicals.

Natural Ant Treatments

1. Clean regularly: Ants are attracted to food and crumbs, so keeping your home clean is the first step in preventing them from entering. Wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop floors, and store food in airtight containers.
2. Seal cracks and crevices: Ants can enter your home through the smallest of openings, so it’s essential to inspect your home and seal any cracks or gaps you find. Use silicone caulk or foam sealant to block entry points.
3. Use vinegar: White vinegar is available at all grocery stores and is a cheap, effective ant killer and repellant. Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to clean surfaces. You can also soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them near ant colonies or entry points.
4. Try essential oils: Essential oils like peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus are natural ant repellents. Dilute a few drops of oil in water to clean surfaces or spray it directly on ants.
5. Brew some coffee: Brewed coffee grounds are a natural ant deterrent. You can sprinkle coffee grounds on a paper towel and leave them in areas where ants congregate, like near pet food bowls.
6. Diatomaceous earth (DE): Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock and repellent. It isn’t a poison, but it does kill ants and other bugs by dehydrating them. You can sprinkle DE powder around your home to eliminate ants on contact, but avoid inhaling it or getting it on your skin.

Commercial Treatments

1. Bait traps: Ant bait traps can be an effective way to kill ants. Fill the traps with a mixture of borax and sugar, which ants will take back to their colony and eventually kill the queen and the entire colony.
2. Ant spray: There are numerous store-bought insect sprays to choose from in grocery and home improvement stores. Most chemical sprays are harmful if inhaled or ingested, so use them with caution.
3. Call a professional: The only surefire way to get pests out and keep them out is by partnering with professional pest control experts like Bug House. Our ant exterminators have commercial-grade products, professional equipment, and the expertise to eliminate bugs from your home quickly.

Pest Prevention for Georgia Homes

It’s more challenging to eliminate an infestation that has taken hold in your home. Whether you use a natural remedy, store-bought products, or the pest treatment pros at Bug House to get rid of ants, you need to implement prevention methods to avoid future infestations. Home pest prevention entails the same practices discussed above, like frequent cleaning and storing food and drinks securely. Other ways to keep bugs out of your home include scheduling regular pest prevention services and managing excess moisture.

Bug House Has Your Back

When you search for a reliable team to manage pests in and around your home, call the experts at Bug House. Our pest control specialists are always ready to get to the bottom of your bug problems and help you kickstart an effective, long-term solution for your home

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Bug House customers throughout Georgia in Augusta, Carrollton, Columbus, Dublin, Eastman, Forsyth, Lake Oconee, Macon, Madison, McDonough, Milledgeville, Monroe, Sandersville, Savannah, St. Simons, Warner Robins, and Watkinsville.