To get rid of ants in your kitchen effectively, you can use several natural and safe methods:
Natural Remedies to Eliminate Ants
- Borax and Sugar Solution : Mix 1/2 teaspoon borax with 8 teaspoons sugar and 1 cup warm water. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them where ants appear. The sugar attracts ants, and borax kills them. Keep this away from children and pets
- White Vinegar Spray : Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this on ant trails, countertops, and entry points. Vinegar disrupts the ants' scent trails, repelling them
- Lemon Juice Spray : Mix lemon juice with water and spray around kitchen surfaces and entry points. The acidic scent masks the ants' pheromone trails, deterring them
- Diatomaceous Earth : Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth near ant entry points. It kills ants by drying out their exoskeletons without using poison
- Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar : Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar and place it where ants are active. The sugar attracts ants, and baking soda kills them by reacting with their digestive system
- Essential Oils : Spraying tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus around windows, doors, and cabinets can repel ants due to their strong scents
- Boiling Water : Pour boiling water into ant holes near your home to kill ants instantly. Repeat for all visible holes
Additional Tips to Prevent Kitchen Ants
- Clean kitchen surfaces and floors daily.
- Wash dishes immediately after use.
- Rinse pet food bowls after feeding.
- Store food in sealed containers or bags.
- Wipe down surfaces with vinegar or lemon water to remove pheromone trails
If Natural Methods Fail
- Use commercial bait traps containing boric acid or other pesticides, which ants carry back to their nests to kill the colony
- Consider professional extermination, especially if you have a large infestation. Opt for services using low-toxicity or eco-friendly products if concerned about chemicals
By combining these natural repellents and maintaining cleanliness, you can effectively get rid of ants in your kitchen and prevent their return.