5 homemade, chemical-free ant killer sprays; effective DIY methods

Ants are an extremely common issue in most homes. These haunt kitchens and washrooms or drop a single food item anywhere and see them make their way to get it. So what do we do? Well we call pest control or spray commercial pesticides. These do offer quick results but for just a few days or weeks. The ants generally come back but the harsh chemicals in the pesticides are extremely harmful, especially in homes with kids and pets. So people generally avoid it because it's messy, dangerous and a lot of work. But the good news is you can get rid of ants without using any chemical sprays. There are a number of homemade, chemical-free ant killer sprays and repellents which are effective and safe to use. These DIY solutions require daily use of things such as vinegar, dish soap and lemon, among others.

So check them out here:

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Vinegar works wonders on keeping ants away. It is one magical remedy considered the most effective solution. Ants rely on scent trails to reach between food and their colonies. And that’s where vinegar works. Its strong smell breaks their trails, and makes it harder for ants to find their way. And the chain breaks!

How to make it:

All you need to do is mix equal parts white vinegar and water. You can also put a few drops of any essential oil. Pour in a spray bottle.

Spray this solution at every entry point, and in areas where ants commonly appear.

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Peppermint oil spray also works well. Its strong scent repels ants. Peppermint oil, in particular, is a famous natural repellent. Ants despise the strong scent of peppermint, making it difficult for them to navigate.

How to make it:

Mix a few drops of peppermint oil to 1 cup of water. Pour it in a spray bottle, shake well. Now spray the solution everywhere.

Now this one is fresh and effective. Lemon juice acts as a citrusy ant deterrent that is both pleasant to use and effective. Ants hate acidic scented things, and lemon juice fits. The acidic nature of lemon disrupts scent trails and leaves a fresh scent behind.

How to make it:

Mix 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Optionally keep lemon peels nearby entry points. Spray around windows, doors, and kitchen counters where ants enter from.

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Then there is another simple yet effective DIY formula. It is also among the easiest homemade ant sprays. The combination of dish soap and water also works very well on keeping the ants away. This solution removes ant trails and also kills ants which come in touch with this mix. Soap molecules break down the outer coating on an ant’s body and kill them.

How to make it:

Mix liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on ants and on surfaces.

A mix of baking soda and sugar also works wonders. It actually acts like a chemical-free bait which attracts ants with sweetness. Once they eat this mixture, it disrupts their digestive process. Replace the mixture every few days until the ant activity subsides. The sugar attracts ants, while the baking soda affects their digestion.

How to make it:

Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in a small cup or lid.
Sprinkle near ant trails

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