To kill ants effectively, you can use a variety of natural and chemical methods depending on your preference and situation:
Natural Methods
- Citrus Peels (Orange or Lemon): Citrus rinds contain d-limonene, toxic to ants. Soak peels in water for 3-5 days, strain, add molasses and dish soap, then spray on ants and their trails. This kills ants on contact but only affects worker ants, not the colony
- Salt (Epsom Salt): Mix Epsom salt with water and spray directly on ants to kill them by dehydration. Safe for kids and pets but requires frequent reapplication and only kills ants on contact
- Cornstarch: Pour cornstarch over ants and wet it or vacuum them up. Effective and non-toxic but messy and only kills visible ants
- Boric Acid/Borax: Mix boric acid with sugar and water to create bait. Ants carry it back to the colony, killing the queen and workers within weeks. Effective but toxic to pets and children, so keep out of reach
- Dish Soap and Water: Spray a mixture of equal parts dish soap and water on ants. It suffocates ants by coating their breathing joints and disrupts their trails. Works on contact only
- Vinegar and Water: A 1:1 vinegar-water solution sprayed on ants and their trails repels and kills ants naturally
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around ant entry points or hills. It dries out ants’ exoskeletons, killing them without toxicity to humans or pets
Outdoor Methods
- Boiling Water: Pour boiling water directly into ant nests to kill ants on contact and destroy the nest. Effective outdoors but may not reach the queen deep underground and can damage grass or plants
- Soaking with Garden Hose: Flood ant nests with water to drown ants. Repeat after 24 hours to ensure effectiveness
Chemical Methods
- Over-the-Counter Pesticides: Products like Ortho Orthene are effective for killing ants but involve chemicals and potential toxicity
- Professional Pest Control: Experts use a multistep process to identify colonies and apply targeted treatments to eliminate the queen and colony
Additional Tips
- Vacuuming ants and wiping down surfaces with soapy water helps remove ants and their pheromone trails, disrupting colony communication
- Seal entry points and remove food and water sources to prevent ants from entering your home
Using a combination of these methods can help eliminate ants effectively, targeting both visible ants and the colony itself while minimizing risks to pets and children.
