How to get rid of ants naturally

While for some summer season might mean enjoying hours inside the home with air conditioning, eating mangoes and enjoying a good afternoon nap for others, it means consistently scrolling through search engines looking for ways to get rid of the ants infesting their abode and peace.

It is the season for these cold-blooded crawlers to creep out of their nests and begin exploring, foraging and expanding their territory with the heat of the sun energising them. However, sometimes this territory is not limited to soil and enters your rooms and bathrooms. How does one get rid of ants naturally? Here are some steps:

Citrus fruits peels

Ants hate the smell of strong citrus fruits. Thus, while munching on oranges, lemons and grapefruits, save their peels and scatter them around the regions from where ants enter such as windowsills, door frames and holes.

Peppermint oil

If ants have managed to reach your bathroom or kitchen, then peppermint oil is the ultimate weapon in your arsenal. Pour some peppermint oil onto a cotton pad and place it around the corners. While they might not look pretty, they will surely help keep the ants at bay, as they repel them with a strong smell.

Draw with chalk

Ants don't like chalk as it disrupts their scent trail. Thus, if you have some chalk, simply draw some circles or lines on the ground in areas you don't want them to enter.

Anti-ant mix

Combine 1 part baking soda with 1 part powdered sugar. Place the mixture in strategic locations and wait for it to work its magic. While the powdered sugar attracts ants, known to have a sweet tooth, the sodium hydrogen carbonate in the baking soda, dehydrates them and makes them leave.

Coffee grounds

Brewed coffee grounds have been found to repel household ants. Thus try sprinkling freshly brewed coffee grounds on disposable surfaces and leaving them in areas where ants collect.

Moreover, ensure that you regularly empty your bins, position your compost bins in the right spot, and make sure that the holes in your home and garden are filled.