For such a tiny creature, ants can really be a big pain. Once they’ve invaded your home, it can seem almost impossible to get rid of them. Thankfully, there are some natural methods that have proven to be quite effective at getting rid of these little pests.
Cinnamon
You can either sprinkle ground cinnamon, or apply cinnamon essential oil, around the openings of doors, windows, floors and so forth. Not only effective at stopping them from coming in, it will also make your home smell delicious.
Borax
Particularly for people with pets or small children, it would be best to place Borax outside. Make a paste or sugary syrup consistency of water, sugar and borax then place it near ant activity. The ants bring it back to the nest, and after a while, the problem should be solved.
Diatomaceous earth
Sprinkling dry, food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) around the entrances and perimeters of the home should effectively block the ants from entering. It will not be effective, however, if it gets wet.
Baking powder and powdered sugar
Mix equal portions of baking soda and powdered sugar, then place it in small piles in plastic containers, or on cardboard strips, at likely entrances. This method may take a couple days, but you should notice a definite improvement.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is another of those pet-friendly substances you can sprinkle around inside or outdoors, and likely see results within a week.
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective ways to rid your home of ants. Using a spray bottle, spray vinegar on the entry paths to repel incoming ants. Also spray all corners, counter tops, sinks and windowsills. Allow the vinegar to dry thoroughly. If you opt to use apple cider vinegar, then it is recommended to mix it with an equal amount of water.
Mint
Used mint tea bags or crushed mint leaves, and place around any known or suspected entry points in the home.
Salt
Another cheap and effective method is the use of table salt to remove ants. You simply boil a small pot of water and add a few teaspoons of salt to it. Then, use a spray bottle to spray the cooled salt water around wherever you have seen ants in the past.
Baby Powder
The scent of the talcum in baby powder is a natural repellent to ants. Sprinkle the powder in corners and by entryways to keep them at bay.
Chalk
Chalk has been effective for many people at ridding their homes of ants. Drawing lines of chalk around entrances seems to prevent them from wanting to enter inside.
Each method here has been effective at different times, but for the best results overall, you may want to combine more than one.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/13-natural-remedies-for-the-ant-invasion
http://everydayroots.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants
http://pestkill.org/ants
