Ants in the House? 6 Natural Ant Deterrents and a DIY Ant Trap

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Sep 10, 2024

The sight of a few ants outside is totally fine. But when you spot those same tiny pests marching across your kitchen counter, or swarming your beloved pet’s food bowl, you start to get angry.

It’s time to assemble natural ant control methods, build a few contained ant traps, and declare an ant-free abode.

Getting Rid of Ants via Ant Traps

The ant infestation has begun. The following ant trap is easy to assemble, cheap to build and lasts for a few months:

Method

  • Mix 1-tsp of 1 percent boric acid and 6 tablespoons of sugar in 2 cups of warm water.
  • Dissolve.
  • Soak cotton balls in solution.
  • Three cotton balls per small plastic container.
  • Make ant trap container out of a small, clear, plastic container that can be capped.
  • Poke 3-4 small holes in the bottom of the container to enable ants to enter and leave easily.
  • Keep the ant trap fresh by applying water to the cotton ball as needed. Dispose of the cotton ball when it begins to develop dark spots. Clean out the container, and add fresh cotton balls and solution as needed.

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing more ants entering your home within the next few days. The ants will start to swarm the container, and take the solution back to their nest. The ants, along with the ant nest, will be eliminated within 7 to 10 days.

Keep ant traps out of pets and kids’ paths, and handle the traps with care.

Now, if you prefer to not use boric acid, we totally get it! Here are some great alternative ways to deter and get rid of ants:

Remember keep pets and kids away from traps. A dog or cat that walks across cayenne pepper will not be a happy one.

Resources:

http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/safe-effective-ant-trap

http://www.motherearthnews.com/the-happy-homesteader/carpenter-ants-a-safe-alternative-control-method.aspx

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/2006-02-01/Organic-Pest-Control.aspx

Image: bareego

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