There are several household products that can be used to kill ants without using toxic chemicals. Here are some of the most effective ones:
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Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture on any entry points that ants may use to gain access to your house, such as windows and doors. This is effective for all ants in general as a preventive measure to repel them. You can also spray it directly on the insects to kill them, though this won’t help you target a colony or queen.
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Lemon Juice and Water: Add one part lemon juice to three parts water. Spray directly on ants to kill them and on entry points around your home to repel them. This works for all types of ants.
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Citrus Blend: Blend the peels of oranges, lemons, or grapefruit into a puree and pour the mixture into ant colonies. This is a nontoxic way to kill ants.
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Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural powder that can be sprinkled around ant entry points. The powder is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and is lethal to ants.
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Peppermint Essential Oil: Ants hate the smell of peppermint. Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and use it to wipe suspected areas. You can also place a peppermint oil cotton ball in areas such as cabinets where the ants frequent.
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Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural and non-toxic way to kill ants. Sprinkle cinnamon around ant entry points or across their paths. Cinnamon essential oil can also be used.
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Boric Acid: Boric acid is lethal to ants and can be mixed with sugar and water to create a bait. The ants will take the bait back to their colony, killing the entire colony.
Its important to note that while these household products are generally safe to use, they may not be effective for severe infestations. In such cases, it may be necessary to call a professional exterminator.
