How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home 

Ants are small, odorous insects that cause problems when they enter homes and businesses. They can be difficult to get rid of, but there are some things you can do. 

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Ant control involves a combination of sanitation, mechanical, and chemical methods. Sanitation consists of preventing ants from entering your home, as well as eliminating their food and water sources. 

Insects can enter your home in many ways, including through gaps around windows and doors or under floors. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as when they are seeking shelter from weather conditions or trying to locate new food sources. 

Maintaining a clean and safe environment is the most effective way to keep ants out of your home. A few simple steps can help you achieve this goal. 

Identifying the source of the infestation is critical to getting rid of ants in your home. Once you’ve found what is attracting them, eliminate it immediately. 

For instance, if the ants are coming in through cracks in your foundation, caulk those areas. You can also seal holes that provide access to your house’s outside walls, such as where pipes and wires enter the exterior. 

Then, place bait stations near the entry points or apply gel baits. Depending on the type of ant infestation, you may need to use multiple types of bait. 

A popular ant bait is a mixture of one part borax to three parts powdered sugar. This solution is low in toxicity and is less likely to be avoided by ants than by other baits, so it’s a good choice for DIY pest control. 

Spraying a mixture of lemon or grapefruit juice with water is another effective method for getting rid of ants in your home. This works by creating a pleasant scent that ants won’t be attracted to. 

Avoid storing pet food outdoors because this is a common ant food source. Ensure you always clean up after your pets and dispose of their waste properly. 

If you do have pet food indoors, place it in a gallon plastic bag and keep the lid on the bag. This is an easy way to prevent ants from getting into the food and can be done all year long. 

Keeping your kitchen and pantry clean will help prevent ants from coming into your home. This means regularly sweeping and cleaning counters, cleaning up sticky jars, and removing any food spills that may attract ants to your home. 

Ants leave a trail of pheromones when they search for food, which can lead to an infestation. You can spray a mixture of vinegar and water, or even lemon or grapefruit juice, to eliminate the pheromones that ants produce. 

It’s important to remember that ants can be resistant to most over-the-counter pesticides. If you’re using an organic product, be sure to follow the directions carefully. 

The first step in addressing an ant problem is to determine the species of ants that are infesting your home. This will allow you to locate the nesting area and determine an effective treatment plan.