Get rid of ants for good without using toxic chemicals.
By Rebecca Straus , Rodale's Organic Life
Spring is in the air and there’s a lot to look forward to—tulips poking out of the ground, buds on trees, bluebirds visiting your backyard feeder. But the one thing we’re definitely not looking forward to is dealing with the ants that are sure to invade our kitchens and bathrooms in search of food and water as the weather warms up
(Whether you're starting your first garden or switching to organic, Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening has all the answers and advice you need—get your copy today!)
[post_ads]There are plenty of things you can do to keep ants out of your house, like installing a door sweep, giving your kitchen a thorough scrubbing, caulking up cracks, and making a DIY ant trap. But those are weekend projects and won’t do anything to help you get rid of the ants that are marching across your kitchen counter right now. For an in-the-moment ant solution, here are five natural products you can rely on instead of turning to toxic sprays.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae. It’s completely harmless to humans and pets, but the rough edges of the granules are deadly to insects. To stop an ant infestation, sprinkle the diatomaceous earth along places where you think the ants are entering your home, like baseboards and windowsills. This will create a barrier that will prevent more ants from entering. Then vacuum up ants that are already present. It can also be used as a preventative measure.[post_ads_2]
Shop at Amazon.com.
Earth Kind Stay Away Ant Pouches
These nontoxic pouches are filled with strongly scented essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint, and thyme, all scents that smell-sensitive ants hate. Place them in your kitchen cupboards, under the sink, near your pet's dishes, and anywhere else ants are likely to explore in search of food. If ants are already present, vacuum them up and place sachets around to keep more from showing up.
Shop at Amazon.com.
Eco-Raider Ant & Crawling Insect Killer
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When it’s time to bring out the big guns, this is the spray you should turn to. It kills ants on contact with powerful botanical extracts and can be used indoors or out. In addition to killing ants, it also disrupts their scent trails so that other ants won’t be able to follow the path to your cookie jar. It’s safe for use around kids and pets, too.
Spring is in the air and there’s a lot to look forward to—tulips poking out of the ground, buds on trees, bluebirds visiting your backyard feeder. But the one thing we’re definitely not looking forward to is dealing with the ants that are sure to invade our kitchens and bathrooms in search of food and water as the weather warms up
(Whether you're starting your first garden or switching to organic, Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening has all the answers and advice you need—get your copy today!)
[post_ads]There are plenty of things you can do to keep ants out of your house, like installing a door sweep, giving your kitchen a thorough scrubbing, caulking up cracks, and making a DIY ant trap. But those are weekend projects and won’t do anything to help you get rid of the ants that are marching across your kitchen counter right now. For an in-the-moment ant solution, here are five natural products you can rely on instead of turning to toxic sprays.
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Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae. It’s completely harmless to humans and pets, but the rough edges of the granules are deadly to insects. To stop an ant infestation, sprinkle the diatomaceous earth along places where you think the ants are entering your home, like baseboards and windowsills. This will create a barrier that will prevent more ants from entering. Then vacuum up ants that are already present. It can also be used as a preventative measure.[post_ads_2]
Shop at Amazon.com.
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These nontoxic pouches are filled with strongly scented essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint, and thyme, all scents that smell-sensitive ants hate. Place them in your kitchen cupboards, under the sink, near your pet's dishes, and anywhere else ants are likely to explore in search of food. If ants are already present, vacuum them up and place sachets around to keep more from showing up.
Shop at Amazon.com.
 |
[post_ads_2]
When it’s time to bring out the big guns, this is the spray you should turn to. It kills ants on contact with powerful botanical extracts and can be used indoors or out. In addition to killing ants, it also disrupts their scent trails so that other ants won’t be able to follow the path to your cookie jar. It’s safe for use around kids and pets, too.
Shop at Amazon.com.
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You can keep ants away with a bit of peppermint essential oil. Fill a spray bottle with water, and add a squirt of castile soap and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake it up and spray on areas where you think ants are entering your home, or even directly on the ants themselves. The essential oil will keep ants out and disrupt their trails, and the soap acts as an insecticide.
Shop at Amazon.com.
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