Although summer is undoubtedly the most beautiful season, it also brings with it numerous unwanted guests that can ruin your mood. Ants, wasps, etc. in particular have their peak season in the summer months and often become a nuisance. While one ant alone is not a problem, it becomes annoying when several ants make themselves comfortable in the house instead of in the forest. As a rule, the small insects are very useful animals and play an extremely important role in the ecosystem. But we would rather not have them in our own four walls. To combat ants in the house, we don't have to immediately resort to chemical preparations from the store - there are actually many effective home remedies that we can use to successfully get rid of them. We'll explain to you in our article what really helps and how you can best prevent ants!
Ants in the house causes
Do you clean regularly and keep your apartment clean and yet you suddenly discovered ants in the house? We've all been there, believe us. There are around 100 species of ants known in Germany and most of them are harmless to humans. But ifthe little insectsOnce they find their way into the house, they can cause quite a bit of damage. Native ants make themselves comfortable in their own four walls primarily in the warm spring and summer months. Since the small crawling creatures are pantry pests, they mainly feed on foods containing protein and sugar. And when you can no longer find enough food in the heat, you start looking for new sources of food and like to slip through gaps in the wall or leaky windows and doors. If they have already found food, they leave a scent trail that attracts even more insects. Ants in the house can transmit various germs and bacteria and you should definitely throw away any food that is already infested.
These home remedies for ants really help
It doesn't matter whether you're fighting ants in the house or...Keep wasps away from grapeswant to - chemical control agents from the hardware store are always a quick solution against any insects, but can be very harmful to the environment and people. Fortunately, there are plenty of more sustainable alternatives and home remedies for pest control that are just as effective. Find out here how you can finally get rid of ants.
Vinegar against ants
Vinegar is undoubtedly a real oneAll-rounder in the householdand one of the most effective home remedies for ants in the house. Since the small animals have a very good sense of smell and use smells as a guide when looking for food, foods with a strong smell of their own are repulsive. Vinegar essence smells even more intense and if you spray the ant trail directly with it, they will become disoriented. However, the smell disappears relatively quickly and if you want to use it to get rid of ants in the house, then you should stay consistent and spray more often. It is also helpful to thoroughly wipe the floor or kitchen with a mixture of water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. To make the effect last longer, add a few drops of detergent.
Chalk and baby powder
Chalk and baby powder are also other great home remedies for fighting ants in the house. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps keep the small insects away and confused. To do this, draw a thick, heavy line around the areas you want to protect, such as the grill or kitchen counter.
Herbs and spices against ants in the house
Strongly scented herbs and spices can also be helpful in getting rid of ants in the house. This is because the strong scent disrupts their sense of direction. Cinnamon, chili powder and ground black pepper in particular have proven to be very effective. Simply sprinkle the affected areas with it, let it work for a moment and then vacuum up the ants in the house. Certain essential oils have also proven to be effective against unwanted guests. These include peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon oil. Fresh herbs such as lavender and thyme also have an intense, strong smell and laid out branches act as a natural barrier for the ants.
Lemon slices
Fresh lemon slices provide a wonderfully pleasant scent in your own four walls and are also one of the best home remedies for ants in the house. Citrus fruits contain an extract called D-limonene, which is toxic to insects. This method can be used in two ways. For example, you can rub the lemon peels directly onto the ant trail and thus drive away the ants. Alternatively, you can mix a few lemon slices with water in a bowl and let it steep for a few hours. Then strain the mixture, pour it into a spray bottle and spray the ants with it.
Ants in the house: how do you find the ant nest?
Just because you're a single oneAnt in your kitchenor discovered in other living spaces, this does not mean that you are dealing with an ant nest. However, if there are several animals or an ant trail, then you need to take action as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, finding an ant nest in your home is no easy task, but there are still some common areas where the insects hide. To find out where the ants are coming from or going, you can follow them - the food source is usually at the end. And here are some of the most common places in the house where ants make their nests.
- The kitchen or the storage cellar
- The bathroom
- Near pet food and water bowls
- In small wall holes or cracks
- Near the trash can
Prevention is better protection
As they say, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid having to deal with ants in your house, you simply need to follow a few preventative measures.
- Do not leave food outside for long periods of time and remove leftover food immediately.
- Keep the kitchen clean and don't leave dirty dishes.
- Take out the trash every day.
- If possible, store all foods in the refrigerator in airtight containers.
- Do not leave feeding bowls with leftover food standing for long periods of time.
- Check windows and doors for small holes and cracks and seal them immediately if necessary.
- Have water damage to the walls repaired as quickly as possible.
