5 simple hacks to get rid of ants at home
Let's put an 'ant' to your ordeal. From contaminating food to damaging property and even biting humans, a colony of ants can cause several troubles. And believe us, it's quite daunting to get rid of them as these tiny creatures find their way anytime, anywhere. Fortunately, there are some natural and home remedies that can come to your rescue.
Sprinkle camphor
Camphor or kapoor, found in almost every household's puja samagri, is a natural insecticide. Dissolve a tablet of camphor in water and sprinkle it over the area infested by ants and you will see them vanish immediately. You can also crush some camphor and sprinkle the powder around in the kitchen, or at corners where you suspect ants reside, to keep them away.
Spray peppermint solution
Peppermint is a popular insect repellent and works fairly well in helping your abode steer clear of ants, thanks to its powerful scent. All you have to do is, mix about 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in two cups of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it around your house, especially on windows and doors, and let it dry.
Spray white vinegar solution
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and since ants deter its scent, it helps in keeping them away. To make this work, add a few drops of white vinegar to water and use this solution to clean your entire house. You can also use it directly over ants and then wipe them out using a paper towel.
Use lemon peels
Ants don't like the scent of lemon, so they won't move around areas that smell like lime. The acidic property of lemon juice masks their scent trails and deters them. Place some lemon peels or use lemon drops on the areas where ants could enter. Create a mixture of one part lemon juice with three parts water, then spray it to repel the ants.
Use salt
Salt can keep ants away and is considered one of the best natural treatments. However, it is only effective when it is mixed with vinegar, baking soda, or boiling water as these mixtures destroy their strong exoskeleton. Mix a few tablespoons of salt in boiling water and allow it to cool down. Apply this mixture at all entry points of your house.
