When ants find their way indoors, they look for water, shelter and a food source. As soon as you see them, you’ll need to identify and remove what they’re eating, which can be as simple as following their trail. If the food source isn’t obvious, then systematically scan the surrounding area for packets of food that could be open, have a hole in the packaging, or where there’s a ready supply of crumbs, such as under the table or in a pet’s food bowl. Once the food source has been removed, you’ll need to give the area a thorough clean to remove the ants’ pheromones.
2. Remove ant pheromone scent trails
Ants leave behind a pheromone scent as a way of communicating with other ants. As these invisible chemical trails act as a signpost for other ants, signalling where there’s food, it’s important to thoroughly clean the area to disrupt the communication and prevent more ants from arriving.
Make a natural ant repellent by mixing together equal parts white vinegar and water, or one part lemon juice to three parts water, and spray this diluted acid on areas where ants have been, as well as potential entry points. You can also use this spray to clean worksurfaces and floors to create an all-round unfriendly environment for ants. If you’re using fresh lemons, keep hold of the lemon rind to use as a natural barrier and scented deterrent.
3. Repel ants with strong odours
Ants have a powerful sense of smell, which they rely on to navigate and communicate with other ants. The strong aroma and physical presence of coffee grounds has shown to be an effective deterrent for ants. Save used coffee grounds and make a 5cm wide barrier around holes, cracks and windowsills. Broken up citrus peel and fresh mint also give off odours that deter ants. If you’re using natural ingredients then refresh them frequently to keep the smell potent and ants away.
4. Seal holes and ant barriers
Once you’ve worked out where ants are getting into the house, use scrunched up aluminium foil to seal small to medium-sized holes or cracks in the wall, as well as commercial products such as Polyfilla. The peel of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, can also be used to make a natural barrier to stop ants from entering a hole, as well as confusing them with a new strong scent.
5. Make natural bait for ants
Lure ants with natural bait made from equal parts sugar and baking soda, mixed in a cup or portable container, and left near an ant trail. Ants will be attracted by the sugar and killed by ingesting the baking soda. Once there are several ants inside the bait then take it outside and leave it far away from your home. The benefit of using baking soda is that it’s non-toxic and therefore safe to use around children and pets. However, a sugar and baking soda mixture won’t necessarily be strong enough for an ant infestation.
Dealing with severe ant infestations
When it comes to larger ant infestations, it’s likely that natural ingredients won’t be powerful enough to disperse a large ant nest or full-scale colony.
Ant powder or sprays, such as Raid Ant & Insect Killer Powder or Deadfast Ant Killer Plus Spray will kill ants instantly or within a few minutes. As these products only kill the visible ants, it’s worth using in combination with a slower-acting insecticide. Slower-acting insecticides work by disguising poison in bait gels, which ants bring into the nest and contaminate the colony. Non-professional, commercially available slower-acting pesticides include Deadfast Ant Killer Plus Bait Station, Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel, and Raid Ant Gel. Although insecticides often have bitterness added to deter children and pets from eating them, it’s important to put bait stations and gels in areas where children and pets can’t reach.
It may be necessary to bring in professional exterminators who will identify the ant species, scale of the infestation, and use professional grade insecticides around strategic areas. An ant exterminator will look at proofing your home to prevent future ant infestations.
Preventing ants in the home
The saying goes that prevention is better than cure and that’s certainly true when it comes to ant invasions. The most effective way to prevent ants is to keep your home clean, especially your kitchen. Store food in sealed containers or zip-lock plastic bags, sweep up crumbs after mealtimes, and regularly wipe down surfaces that have come into contact with food.
Inspect your walls for cracks or holes that can become entry points for ants. Seal up cracks or holes as soon as possible before ants find them. Keep an eye on houseplants, especially new arrivals, as ants might have made a home on the plant itself or under the soil.
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