In nature, ants recycle animal, insect and plant matter, prey on other pests and help aerate soil. Problems arise, however, when they begin to scavenge inside the home, whether looking for water, food or sweets. While most people's first reaction is to go for the bug spray, spreading poison around the house isn't always the best option, especially when there are pets and children who frequent the ant-infested areas.
The First Step in Ant Control: Identification
There are over 200 species of ants crawling around the state of Florida, and over 12,000 different species across the globe. There's not enough insecticide in the world to handle that many potential intruders, so homeowners who know which species are common in their area have an advantage over those who don't.
Some common types of ants include carpenter ants, argentine ants, pharaoh ants, fire ants and thief ants. While removal tactics can vary slightly based on the species of ant, the general methods for their elimination remain the same. Research the species that is affecting the home, and modify the natural methods based on that species' habits and the types of items the ants usually go after.
Seal Off Passages to Remove Ants
One of the best ways to stop ants from invading a home is to note how and where they are getting into the house and the area they've infested. Seal the entry holes with caulk, petroleum jelly or even toothpaste. If there isn't a defined trail, leave a sweet treat out at night to lure the ants into the area. It's easier to locate where ants are coming in when their trail is visible.
Once the entry points have been closed, remove whatever food the ants were after and check the area for other loose foods. Use air-tight containers to store baking goods, wipe the countertops and take out trash regularly to avoid attracting more ants.
Nontoxic Ways to Kill Ants
Lines of black pepper or chalkboard chalk can be used as a short-term method to repel ants. Soapy water is also very effective at killing individual ants as well as eliminating the chemical trails that tell other ants where the food is located. Soapy water can also be used to flood ants from outdoor plant pots and colonies, forcing them to relocate away from the home.
Sticky barriers and desiccating dusts are safer options than insecticides for ant elimination. Sticky barriers placed on table legs or potted plants will prevent ants from climbing up onto them. Desiccating dusts, like garden- or food-grade diatomaceous earth, work by sucking moisture from ants, causing them to die. Spread dust into walls or cracks before sealing, or spread lightly on carpet areas close to infestation points, then vacuum after three days.
Boric acid is a third method that can eliminate ants and is used as a dust or as a bait. When an ant takes the bait, it shares it with the rest of the colony, and because boric acid is toxic to ants, the colony eventually dies off.
The Bottom Line on Pest Control
If natural methods don't work, a homeowner should call an ant exterminator to diagnose and treat the infestation using professional methods. In addition to the harmful health effects of spraying poison throughout the home, insecticides used improperly can split ant colonies in two, making the ant problem even worse.
When using natural methods of pest control, ants are deprived of food and access to it. Hiring a professional exterminator will help a major infestation, but the people inside the home must do their part to keep ants out. To avoid ants, always remember to:
- keep dishes clean;
- don't leave food out or open, especially sweets;
- sweep the floor and wipe the counters periodically;
- trim trees back from the house, so the ants don't have easy access to the inside; and
- keep the yard dry, since ants like moisture, too.
Sources:
- Beyond Picnics: Controlling Ants in the Home" by Becky Crouse
- "Ant Rant: Squishing the Problem" by Christopher Solomon
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