Looking for natural and/or humane ant control methods for the home?
The following humane pest control methods will be useful for PETA members, Buddhists and other individuals who are seeking a humane way to get rid of ants in the house. Natural items can also be used to repel ants without killing them.
These natural do-it-yourself pest control methods will also appeal to parents and pet owners who are seeking a child- and pet-safe ant control option. These chemical-free pest control methods may also be appealing to simple living and green living enthusiasts.
Do-it-Yourself Natural Pest Control Methods for Ants
DIY ant control is four-pronged: identify areas where they may be entering the home; eliminate the ants' scent trails; get rid of ants inside the house by collecting them naturally and humanely; and prevent ants from returning using a natural repellent.
Begin the home ant control process by identifying areas where the insects are frequently observed. Ants leave "scent trails" for the other members of their colony; this is why ants are seen traveling along very precise "trails."
Borax is a very effective child- and pet-safe ant control tool. Once these ant trails are identified, spray the area with a borax and water mix (combine 3 parts hot water and 2 parts borax; once dissolved, place in a spray bottle.) According to DoItYourself.com, the borax eliminates the ants' scent trail.
Use the borax ant repellent solution to spray the following locations:
- window sills and window frames (interior and exterior);
- door frames and thresholds for doors leading outside or to a garage (interior and exterior);
- along the home's foundation;
- along baseboards; and
- areas where ants are seen traveling or congregating inside the home.
When mixing the borax and water solution, make only as much as you'll need. Borax and water does not store well. Over time, the borax tends to separate and crystalize. The borax crystals will form inside the hose that supplies the sprayer mechanism. Removing the crystals from the spray bottle hose can be a bit difficult. So discard remaining solution after use or store it in a bottle without a sprayer top.
How to Make Natural, Homemade Ant Repellent
Once the existing "pathways" into the home are destroyed using the borax spray, a natural ant repellent will serve as an additional method to prevent them from returning. According to DoItYourself.com, a few organic ant control methods include:
- Spray a vinegar and water solution around points of entry and in problem areas (listed above); and
- Sprinkle coffee grounds, chili powder, ground cinnamon or ground citrus peel around points of entry.
These natural child- and pet-safe ant control methods won't harm the ants, but it will prevent them from returning.
Humane and Natural Methods for Getting Rid of Ants Inside a House
A simple way to get rid of ants in the house without poisons and chemicals (and without killing the insects) involves using a wet piece of paper towel, toilet paper or a dampened cotton ball, which is used to collect the ants that have already made their way into the house.
The following materials will be required for this DIY pest control method:
- paper towels, toilet paper or cotton balls;
- water;
- sugar;
- plate; and
- air-tight jar.
Identify areas where ants are prone to gather and sprinkle sugar at the center of the plate. Wait approximately 1 hour (or monitor the plate until the ants gather); the sugar serves as safe, natural ant bait. Bring the plate outdoors and release the ants as far away from the house as possible.
To collect small numbers of ants, follow these steps:
- Dampen a piece of paper towel, toilet paper or a cotton ball;
- Collect individual ants by gently "dabbing" them with the damp cotton ball/paper towel. They'll stick to it due to the dampness; and
- Place the cotton ball/paper towel inside the air-tight jar.
To keep the ants at the bottom of the jar (thereby making it easier to keep the ants inside as you open and close the cover), sprinkle sugar on the bottom. Empty the jar in an outdoor trash barrel or compost pile daily.
The cotton balls can be re-used by emptying the contents of the ant jar onto a newspaper, placed outdoors, at least 20-30 feet away from the house. The cotton balls will dry overnight (allowing you to re-use them for ant collection) and the insects will disperse. For environmentally-conscious individuals who prefer to avoid using paper products or cotton balls, dampened 1-2-inch squares of fabric can be used.
How to Prevent Ants in the Home – Tips to Avoid Ant Infestations
The most effective way to control ants involves keeping the home clean. In short, don't provide ant bait!
Simple yet essential methods for preventing ant infestations include:
- Wipe down counters after cooking or preparing food;
- Wipe down tables after eating to eliminate crumbs;
- Sweep or vacuum floors in the kitchen and dining area on a daily basis;
- Wipe down kids' eating areas and high chairs;
- Pick up pet food bowls after the pet is finished eating and immediately wash the bowl; avoid leaving pet food out for "grazing" unless the pet is actively eating;
- Store food — including pet food — in air-tight containers;
- Wipe down the pet's eating area to eliminate crumbs;
- Empty trash cans on a daily basis;
- Avoid placing food and similar organic items in indoor trash cans;
- Keep organic waste in an air-tight container and empty daily into an outdoor trash can or compost pile; and
- Avoid storing outdoor trash cans in the garage or near the home's foundation.
In addition, monitor house plants. Ants may take up residence inside a potted plant's soil. When watering the plants, observe for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. If an ant nest is present, ants will start scurrying around the soil's surface. The easiest solution: re-pot the plant using fresh soil (thoroughly tap the soil from the plant's roots) and be sure to spray the exterior of the pot with borax to destroy ant scent trails.
Caution should be used when handling fire ants, though fortunately, they rarely infest homes. To learn more about how to treat fire ant bites, read How to Treat Fire Ant Bites: First Aid Treatment for Fire Ant Stings.
Readers may also enjoy learning about How to Treat Fire Ant Bites in a Dog.
For other humane pest control options, read How to Use Humane Animal Traps – Using a Havahart Trap to Catch Mice, Rats, Raccoons and Other Animals.
Sources:
- DoItYourself.com, "Don't Kill Ants: Try One of These Humane Alternatives." Accessed September 3, 2010.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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