Ants
Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera and are ubiquitous, found in streets, gardens, and homes, particularly during the summer months. This prevalence often causes distress and anxiety for households, especially for women managing a home, since ant bites can be uncomfortable for children with sensitive skin. It’s important to note that the issue of ants isn’t solely related to household cleanliness, but also encompasses a range of other factors that we will discuss in this article, along with effective methods for removal.
Reasons for Ants Infesting Homes
Ants often invade homes due to the following reasons:
- Numerous entry points in residences, along with cracks in walls and floors, and gaps between tiles, which facilitate easy access for ants.
- Older home constructions that allow ants to establish their colonies, making them difficult to control.
- The presence of food remnants scattered throughout the home, particularly in the kitchen.
Methods for Eliminating Ants
To effectively remove ants and diminish their disruptive presence using natural methods, consider the following:
- Regularly clean the home with kerosene once a week, ensuring to keep children away during the cleaning process, followed by thorough ventilation to eliminate its strong odor.
- Remove food debris from the floor, especially sugary treats.
- Use a bait container filled with food, placing it near the areas where ants are observed to lure them in for extermination.
- Clean surfaces with concentrated cleaning materials and disinfectants, repeating the procedure daily to achieve complete eradication.
- Seal off any openings through which ants enter using soap pieces, replenishing as the soap dissolves; liquid soap can also be effective.
- Create a baking soda mixture by combining one tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of sugar, forming small balls to place in ant-infested areas. The sugar attracts the ants while the baking soda kills them.
- Sesame seeds can be placed in an open container near ant gatherings, as they can disrupt the ants’ sense of smell, critical for finding food.
- White vinegar can be used by mixing equal parts with water and placing the solution in a spray bottle, optionally adding any essential oil, and applying it in areas frequented by ants.
- Lemon can be utilized by placing lemon slices at entry points, such as windows and doors, or within cabinets.
- Pouring boiling water liberally over ant colonies can be an effective instant solution.
- Cinnamon powder mixed with water can be sprayed in locations where ants are found to deter them.