There are many ways to kill ants, both naturally and with chemical pesticides. Here are some of the most effective methods:
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Vinegar and Water: Vinegar mixed with water can repel and kill ants. Spray it directly on ants to kill them and on entry points around your home to repel them.
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Lemon Juice and Water: If you dont have vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead. Add one part lemon juice to three parts water and spray it on ants to kill them and on entry points around your home to repel them.
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Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural substance that can be used to kill ants. It works by lacerating their hard exoskeletons and dehydrating them. Apply it in thin layers in hard-to-reach areas between cabinets.
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Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water into an ant hill can effectively and immediately kill many of the ants inside. However, it won’t be enough to kill off the entire colony, so make sure to treat every ant hole you see within your home’s proximity.
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Boric Acid: This is a chemical pesticide that can be found in some ant baits. It works by interfering with the ants digestive systems and can kill the entire colony.
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Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils can repel ants. Mix 1/4-cup of water with 7 drops of citrus oil or 15 drops of tea tree oil and spray it on entry points like windowsills or door frames.
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Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkling black pepper or cayenne pepper on an ant trail and down an anthill can kill ants. When ants ingest the pepper, they lose the ability to breathe and therefore die.
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Cornstarch: Pouring cornstarch over the entire group of ants and adding water on top can smother many ants at one time. The result will be many dead ants encased in cornstarch which you can then clean up.
Its important to note that while natural remedies can be helpful, a large-scale infestation may require the use of more stringent ant killers. Additionally, some natural remedies may not be effective in killing the entire colony, so its important to treat every ant hole you see within your home’s proximity.