how to get rid of ants in kitchen

how to get rid of ants in kitchen

1 day ago 7
Nature

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.

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