Ants are social insects and rarely thrive by themselves. If you see one there is a huge colony somewhere. Though they do not bother you so much outdoors they still can be a nuisance in your homes when they come in huge numbers as they carry contaminants and attack our food and also in rare cases bite us. So you will then have to reach out to ant control Brisbane service experts who will do a thorough extermination.
Around 12000 ant species are found globally and most are harmless but they are potential transmitters of disease-causing pathogens also some varieties give rise to asthma and respiratory allergies. So calling pest control Brisbane service specialists becomes necessary in case of severe infestation.
Natural Methods to Avoid Ants And Repel Them
As homeowners hiring ant control Brisbane service experts would be the recommended thing to do in case of a large ant attack but knowing a few remedies can help you avoid or repel them using easy methods and techniques.
Cut off entry points: To prevent ants from entering you have to identify the entry points. Look for any crevices in walls and holes near radiators and floorboards. So sealing cracks or spraying ant repellent is effective. Also checking mending rips in window screens is a must.
Using Ground black or cayenne pepper: Red or black pepper deters ants because ants are repulsed by their odor. So sprinkling around baseboards and behind electrical appliances can help keep ants at bay.
Use brewed coffee grounds: This is an effective method in deterring ants. Try sprinkling this on index cards or other disposable surfaces and leave them where ants gather like around under sinks, window sills, and pet bowls.
Use silicon dioxide: Silicon dioxide or diatomaceous earth is made of fossilized remains of an aquatic organism called diatoms, which is plankton and it kills ants by absorbing oils from their skeletons and dehydrating them. But you should avoid letting it be in contact with your skin. So sprinkle them on ants and see how it acts.
Peppermint essential oil: This is a natural insect and ant deterrent. Take 2 cups of water and add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle and spray around windows and baseboards. Allow it to dry and repeat again.
Liquid detergents and glass cleaning solution: Ants release a distinctive smell or pheromone as they move causing a trail map for others to follow and also which they retrace back. Using liquid detergents and glass cleaners removes this and deters them from entering your house.
White vinegar: This is one of the most easily available, inexpensive, and very effective ways to repel ants and is a natural cleaner. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and clean floors, counters, and wherever ants frequent. You may also spray them on ants and when they smell they move away. Since the smell doesn’t remain long after drying, reapplication is advised.
Tea tree oil: This is effective in deterring ants. Mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray and use this around areas ants frequent. Also, take cotton balls and dip in this liquid and place them around different corners where ants are active. But keep this out of reach of pets. This oil may be purchased from your local store or online. While all these remedies are great but for serious invasion by ants call in ant control Brisbane service providers.
Lemon eucalyptus oil: Oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree is a natural repellent for ants as it contains citronella that repels bugs and mosquitoes too. Soak cotton balls with this essential oil and place them in areas where ants are sighted. Replace the cotton balls with fresh ones. Similarly using oil of lemon eucalyptus is effective which is extracted from the gum eucalyptus tree and contains a chemical that repels ants. This may be purchased online or at any garden store. Remember while this natural remedy is good but for immediate extermination ringing in pest control Brisbane service specialists are recommended as they do a complete removal.
Boiling water: Pouring this in ant holes instantly drowns and kills them. This is great for a handful of ant colonies but for severe infestation call in ant control Brisbane service experts.
Using cornstarch: This is effective in killing ants. You may spread cornstarch liberally on the ant colony and pour water over this. Ants die off in this mixture. Another method is to cover ants in corn starch and then vacuum them.
Maintain kitchen hygiene: The kitchen is the most attractive and major area of infestation as it’s a haven for ants due to the constant food supply. So to avoid ants from gaining entry-
- Wash dishes immediately once you finish using them
- Rinse pet bowls after your pets have been fed
- Clean kitchen floors and surfaces daily
- Use lemon to erase the pheromone trail and prevent ant re-entry
- Use zip-lock bags and air-tight jars to store food and grains