Can you tell me how to get rid of ants in the house? They invaded my kitchen. I don’t want to spray insecticide because I have a toddler. What can I do instead?
Anni, Boise, ID
If you see one ant, you can be sure there are more right behind. They follow an invisible trail laid out by their scouts. But I can tell you how to get rid of ants in your house so that they never come back again. And you won’t need to spray an insecticide to make them go away.
Your first job is to take away their food sources which are usually located in the kitchen. Start by keeping your trash can tightly closed. Besides that, clean up any food or juice spills right away, and sweep up small crumbs under appliances.
Don’t even leave out pet food overnight because ants will eat that, too. Get rid of sugar ants in the kitchen by making sure that everything in the pantry has a tight lid or is stored in zipper seal bags.
Then it’s time to put down ant deterrent. Mix together one part white vinegar and one part water. Spray that where you’ve seen the ants enter, or where they congregate in your home. This is a great way for how to get rid of flying ants, as well.
If you’re not a fan of the way vinegar smells, you have other options. Take a look at this article for details about other things that repel ants: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/natural-ant-remedies-how-to-get-rid-of-ants/ You may prefer using an essential oil or citrus peels instead.
Once you know where the ants are coming into your home, whether it’s through a window, a door, or a crack somewhere, you can block them with chalk. Chalk is a simple, non-toxic way to disrupt the pheromone trail that ants leave behind.
Besides vinegar, some people use boric acid to kill ants. But if you have a toddler, this is not a safe choice. It can poison your little one. You might try using soapy water instead.
In summary, I hope these ideas help you clear the ants out of your home.
Joan