Vermin still roam around even as heat fades, and homes can host unwelcome guests. Ants, cockroaches, termites, beetles, bed bugs, and even breeding bees often search for food and shelter inside living spaces.
Although the National Association of Pest Control Companies warns that these animals should not be treated as a plague, they do emphasize the ants and other insects have a remarkable capacity to reproduce and form colonies, sometimes creating large anthills inside or near homes.
Why are there ants in your house? here is what might have gone wrong
Unlike some pests that carry direct health risks, ants can transmit diseases such as salmonellosis and leptospirosis in rare cases, though they are mainly a nuisance. Their presence is driven by accessible food sources. Keeping kitchens and basements exceptionally clean is crucial to prevent food residues from accumulating under furniture or on countertops.
how to get rid of ants
Storing food in airtight containers and maintaining hygienic conditions are important to minimize ant activity. A clean environment reduces the chance of attracting colonies and keeps surfaces free from edible residues.
We also offer ten natural and inexpensive solutions that can help you manage ants in the home:
How to make an ant trap at home?
Lemon juice
Lemon juice disrupts the ants sense of orientation. Spraying lemon water on areas where ants appear can deter them effectively.
Vinegar mixed with water
A strong scent helps repel ants and also removes scent trails they leave for others to follow. Apply the solution to corners, counters, sinks, and windows for best results.
Talcum powder or chalk
Chalk and talcum powder act as mild repellents that can interrupt ant pathways when applied around entry points.
baking powder and sugar
A mixture of baking powder and sugar disrupts the ants physiology and encourages them to leave treated areas.
coffee grounds
The aroma acts as a repellent. Place coffee grounds near suspect entry points and in flower beds around the home to deter foragers.
cornstarch (cornflour)
Cornstarch can interfere with scent trails and may be less digestible for some ants, helping to reduce pathways they rely on.
Cucumber and citrus peels
Ants tend to avoid these peels as they decompose into compounds that can be unattractive to them.
sage
Peppermint leaves or tea bags create a natural barrier. Place them around windows, doors, and cracks where ants may enter.
herbs and spices
Strong odors from herbs help repel ants. Store them in cabinets and drawers; black pepper or garlic can also deter intruders when sprinkled in hotspots.
Borax
Mix borax with water and a small amount of sugar to create a bait and place it in corners where ants are seen. This can attract and eliminate colonies over time.