Do you have an ant problem in your house? Are you worried about using harsh chemicals that could be dangerous for your pets and children? If so, don’t worry because we’ve got the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we’ll share pet-safe ways to get rid of ants in your home.
Identify the Species of Ants
Knowing the type of ant you’re dealing with is the first step in taking care of the problem. There are many types of ants, and they all require different solutions to get rid of them. Ants can be identified by the type of nest they create, the size and shape of their body, and the color of their body or legs. Once you’ve identified the type of ant you’re dealing with, you can move on to finding a pet-safe solution to getting rid of them.
Seal Up Potential Entry Points
Once you have identified the species of ants in your home, it’s time to take action and seal up any potential entry points. This will help prevent further infestations. Start by checking around windows and doors, as well as any cracks in the foundation of your home. Be sure to look for any small gaps where ants might be able to enter. You can use caulk, foam, or weatherstripping to seal these openings. You may also want to use mesh screens over air vents and chimneys. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect your foundation for any new potential entry points.
Bait Traps with Sugar and Borax
Once you have identified the type of ant species, the next step is to bait traps with sugar and borax. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used as an insecticide, but it is also safe for pets. This mixture can be used to create a bait trap, which lures ants inside and kills them. To make the bait, mix together equal parts of sugar and borax. Place the mixture in areas where ants have been seen or along ant trails. The sugar will attract the ants while the borax will kill them when they consume it. Be sure to check the traps every few days and replace them as needed in order to keep the ants away.
Use a Natural Insecticide
If you want to use a natural insecticide, you can try making a mixture of soap and water. This mixture works by clogging the ant’s breathing holes, which leads to their death. To make the mix, mix one teaspoon of dish soap with one cup of water and spray it directly on the ants. This method is pet safe and effective at killing ants on contact. You can also try using an ant bait trap that contains a sugar and borax mixture. The ants will be attracted to the sweet smell of the sugar and will take the bait back to the colony and share it with other ants. This will help to eliminate the colony in a pet friendly way.
Try Diatomaceous Earth
If you’re looking for a pet-safe way to get rid of ants in your house, then diatomaceous earth is an excellent choice. Diatomaceous earth is made of fossilized remains of diatoms, which are small aquatic organisms. It works by absorbing lipids from the exoskeleton of the ants, leading to dehydration and death. It’s also a great way to prevent future ant infestations, as it creates a barrier that ants won’t be able to cross. To use diatomaceous earth to get rid of ants in your house, sprinkle it around any potential entry points or areas where you’ve seen ants. You can also sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that will keep ants away.
Spray Vinegar and Water Mixture
In addition to using a natural insecticide, another pet safe way to get rid of ants in house is to spray a vinegar and water mixture. To make the solution, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture directly on any ant trails or areas where you see ants and it will disrupt their scent trails and deter them from entering your home. Vinegar has a strong smell, so it is best to use this method sparingly.
Spread Coffee Grounds Around Your Home
If you don’t have the patience for DIY ant repellents, you can also try spreading coffee grounds around your home. Coffee grounds are a natural insecticide that is safe for pets and humans. Sprinkle the coffee grounds in areas where you’ve seen ants or in places where they are likely to enter your home. The smell of the coffee will repel them and prevent them from entering your home. Keep in mind that this method may need to be repeated regularly since the aroma will eventually dissipate.
Create a DIY Ant Repellent Spray
In addition to baiting traps, you can also create a DIY ant repellent spray to get rid of them. This can be done with a combination of essential oils and water. Common essential oils to use include peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and lemongrass. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil into a cup of water and spray the mixture around your home. The scent of the essential oils will deter ants from entering or returning to your home. Be sure to reapply the mixture every few days to ensure the scent remains strong enough to keep the ants away.
Set Up Ant Deterrents Around Your Home
Once you have sealed up the entry points, it’s time to set up ant deterrents around your home to keep them from coming back. One of the most effective ant deterrents is a natural insect repellent. Natural insect repellents such as diatomaceous earth, peppermint essential oil, and citrus peels are all great options. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to create an ant repellent spray. Another great way to deter ants is to spread coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home. This helps to mask the scent of their food sources and discourage them from entering your home. If all else fails, consider hiring a professional exterminator to take care of your ant problem.
Hire a Professional Exterminator
If you’ve tried all the pet safe methods of getting rid of ants mentioned above and are still having trouble, it might be time to call in a professional. Professional exterminators have access to stronger products and methods that are not available to the general public, and they can help get rid of your ant problem quickly and efficiently. While calling in a professional can be expensive, it could save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. Just make sure to ask about the products they use and if they are pet safe before hiring them.