How to Get Rid of Ants in Ijamsville and Frederick County

Ants are some of the hardest working insects on earth. But our appreciation for these workaholics fades rather quickly the minute they begin setting up shop in our own homes. And, unfortunately, this time of year they head out in droves in search of food and shelter, leaving behind scent trails for the rest of their colony to follow once the advance scouts have hit the jackpot.

If you currently have an ant infestation, or even a budding problem, don’t reach for the chemical spray killers or call the exterminator just yet. Not when there are some very natural and effective solutions well worth trying first.

White Vinegar – Once an locates food, it travels back to its colony leaving a scent trail behind it for others to follow. The more times the trail is traveled, the stronger the scent becomes. Spraying entry points and paths where you see ants with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar and wiping it with a clean cloth disrupts the trail and makes it harder for them to creep back in.

Honey – No, we’re not suggesting you set up a buffet for ants to feast on in your kitchen. But you can use honey as a diversion. Pour some honey onto a plate and place the plate far enough away from your home, but close enough for the ants to find it. Once they’ve discovered the plate of honey, move it a little further away from your house each day, refilling the plate as needed.

Essential Oil – Ants don’t like strong smells because they disrupt their scent trails and mess up their communication. That’s why essential oils are so helpful in deterring ants from invading your home. While various essential oils can work here, many homeowners reach for peppermint or eucalyptus because of its pleasant smell (to us, that is). Mix 20 drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle filled with tap water and spray liberally around all entrances to the house. Repeat as needed, once the smell begins to fade.

Cotton Balls – As an added barrier, put a few drops of undiluted peppermint essential oil or undiluted vinegar on cotton balls and place them in areas where you see ants. Just be careful to keep them out of reach of curious pets or children.

Here are Your 1 Plumber, we applaud all green household solutions, and we have plenty of our own to share with you. Not necessarily for getting rid of ants, mind you, but to help you live more comfortably and conveniently, and all while conserving natural resources.