Although there are ant species that cause considerable harm and havoc (such as fire ants that sting and carpenter ants that damage building materials), most house ants are simply annoying. This does not mean, however, that you should not attempt to rid your house of them once you detect their presence. Left unchecked, an ant colony can become a real nuisance and can make your house an uncomfortable place to be.
As long-time Atlanta exterminators, we always recommend that any pest or insect invasion be treated immediately to prevent them from causing bigger problems later on. Below are easy, safe, and natural ways you can help keep your home safe from these pesky little invaders without calling a pest control company:
1) Caulk
While completely insect-proofing your house (especially from such tiny creatures) may not be possible, you can make it less of an attractive target. Caulk and seal any cracks or small holes that you see around windows, doors and other possible entryways to your house. Here's a quick video on how to caulk your windows.
2) Coffee Grounds
Find out where the ants are getting into your house and sprinkle used coffee grounds around the area. Ants do not like the smell of the grounds from your favorite morning picker-upper, so they will stay away.
3) Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Wipe down your counters with a solution containing 50 percent distilled white vinegar and 50 percent water. The vinegar gets rid of the scent trails that ants use to move around, plus they also hate its smell. Lemon juice works in the same way, so you can use it around areas that you suspect ants are using as access points to your house. Using lemon juice has the added advantage of giving your house a fresh and clean lemony scent.
4) Talcum Powder
Chalk and baby powder both contain talcum powder, an ingredient that is a natural ant repellent. Sprinkle baby powder or draw a line of chalk near possible entry points to prevent ants from gaining access to your home.
5) Citrus and Cucumber Peels
The next time you enjoy a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice or peel a cucumber for your dinner salad, save the peels. Leave them in the spots in your house where you notice ants gather. Cucumber and citrus peels are toxic to the kinds of fungi that ants feed on, so they naturally avoid places where these peels can be found.
Call us for a comprehensive selection of effective pest control services in Atlanta. From environmentally friendly pest and termite inspections to pest control insulation, and wildlife control we do it all. As a trusted Atlanta pest control company, we will do everything possible to keep your home safe and pest-free.
