Ant Invasion? Here are the 3 less-toxic solutions for removing ants from your home.
1 A mix of 3 tablespoons peppermint soap and 16 ounces of water.
This mixture, sprayed from a squirt bottle directly on the little marchers stops most of the army in its tracks. Then wipe up any lingering incentive for ant followers to drop in by removing all traces of each with paper towels.
2 Boric-acid baits.
These work well and have the added benefit of using a minimum of insecticide, as does eliminating the ringleader: the scout. That's the one leading the pack to our food and water. These less-toxic traps do both
3 Douse with diatomaceous earth.
Powder the wall cracks and baseboards with this less-toxic insecticidal dust to send the ant army marching elsewhere.
5 Ways to Prevent Future Invasions
1 Keep your home clean and dry. Insects need both food and water to live inside.
2 Keep garbage cans inside your home clean on the outside and seal tightly to prevent ant infiltration.
3 Seal wall cracks with caulk; also take time to weather-strip doors and windows.
4 Create a barrier around pet food dishes so the food doesn't become an insect draw. Fill a shallow, wide container half full of soapy water, then place the cat food dishes inside.
5 Outside, a bucket of boiling water with soap sent spiraling down an insect hole is actually my favorite remedy.
Here are a couple of items to help in stopping your home's ant invasion: