How to get rid of Ants
Darshana Kathiresan, INN/Chennai, @infodeaofficial
Ants have become a nuisance in our households and it’s also pretty unhygienic to have them walk over our things. Some ant species can bite humans and thereby affect them (Fire, Harvester).
At times, they also carry some bacteria which can be transported to food or open wounds. So it’s important to keep off ants.
Let’s take a look at certain natural ways in which we can get rid of ants.
- Black Pepper
Ants do not like the presence of pepper nor the smell. Find the areas where ants enter into your house and sprinkle pepper in that area.
You can also use the combination of pepper and water to use it in the entry points. This helps in keeping the ants away.
- Vinegar
Prepare a solution of equal amounts of water and vinegar (50/50) and mix it with a few drops of essential oil. Take this solution in a container and spray it at the places (points) where ants can come inside, such as corners, windows, etc.
This helps because ants can’t bear the fragrance of vinegar. For getting sooner results, repeat the procedure and you can also directly spray the solution at ants.
- Lemon
You can either use lemon juice or lemon seeds to stay away from the disturbance of ants. It apparently doesn’t like the smell of sour ingredients. So this solution can be used in the nook and corners where you see ants. Oranges can also be used instead of lemons.
- Salt
Spread salts around entryways and other points where ants enter and you can also try sprinkling salt solution (salt with water) to keep ants away from your house. Table salt is preferred and affordable.
- Chalk
This is the most convenient way in which ants can be avoided and it is practiced in many homes. Draw a line or put chalk powder at all entrances and near the holes in your house. This will work as chalk contains calcium carbonate and it is not liked well by ants.
Also if you spill anything sweet, make sure to clean the place as ants get attracted to the smell of sweets and travel to that place.
