Ants are a common household nuisance. It seems no matter how hard you try, some years they just get in and you then have to learn how to get rid of ants. Thankfully, unlike other pests, ants can be rather easy to get rid of because there are so many options and so much advice out there about how to do it.
Common Ant Removal Methods
Here are some great ways to get rid of ants in your home:
- Spray them with soapy water.
- Use caulk to close any holes where they enter.
- Spread cream of wheat where they are found.
- Sprinkle baby powder around the areas they enter.
- Make a line with petroleum jelly where they are going to make a barrier.
- Sprinkle cinnamon around the areas you find them.
- Lay out dryer sheets in areas you do not want them to go.
- Use commercial products like ant traps.
Ant Proofing your Home
The biggest way to stop ants is to keep them outside. There are many things you can do to make your home less inviting to ants, here are some suggestions:
- Clean up food messes right away.
- Keep floors clean.
- Store foods tightly sealed.
- Eliminate food waste inside the house.
- Keep recycling outside.
Fighting Back
Ants may sometimes seem like a little army that just won't back down. When you are desperate for a solution it may be best to first find out what type of ant you dealing with. There are many varieties of ants and each eats something different and has a different motive for getting into your home. When you know what type of ant you are dealing with it can be a major help in figuring out just how to deal with them.
Typically, you will have ants that are heading in just to find food to bring back to their home. These ants are usually best fought off with the use of barrier methods which will keep them from wanting to come in, such as petroleum jelly and caulking up holes.
Ants are a problem that you will likely deal with at some point. These small insects can usually find a way in easily and once in they will stay if they can get to food. You just have to be diligent in your efforts and they will soon disappear.