How to to Eliminate Ants the Spa Way - Natural, Green & Organic Without Chemicals Toxins or Pesticides

We have had loads of rain in the midwest this summer and the bugs are out in full force! A particularly upsetting episode with some ants the other day, (I went to put food in my cat’s bowl and it was full or miniscule ants. . . gross!) sent me running for ways to rid the house of them without spraying poisons everywhere. First, I freaked out and blamed myself for not being a better housekeeper, but then I learned periods of rain will drive the little guys inside to seek shelter. So I took a deep breath, called some of my spa contacts and learned how to keep them away stress and poison free. I hope this article will help you enjoy your summer ant-free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby Powder
• Peppermint Essential Oil
• Spray Bottle
• Scoop or tablespoon
• Cinnamon

1. 

   Look outside the perimeter of your home for ant colonies or lines of ants. Note if there are any attractants around the area, like trash, food or even dead insects. Get rid of attractants you see. If you find ants marching in their lines, put baby powder along the edge of the house where they are marching. This repels them and keeps any more from coming inside. Note - you will want to refresh this after a major rain or once every couple of weeks. If you see any hills, sprinkle cinnamon or spray vinegar on them.

2. Make your home unappealing by keeping trash covered and your counters free of food. While this is probably not the main reason ants come in, they certainly won’t mind moving in if you provide “bed” and “breakfast”! If you have pets like I do, keep their food off of the floor until feeding time.

3. Now to address the current resid”ants” (sorry, couldn’t resist). Usually, you will see them in lines, hard at work, moving food to and from their colonies. Follow this line to the baseboard or door where they are entering. Once again pull out the baby powder and sprinkle along the point of entry. Use a scoop or teaspoon to form a line of the powder about 1/4” inch high. The ants will not cross this border.

4. 

   Spray water with a few drops of peppermint extract (10 drops to a half gallon of water) on the ants inside which kill them and also repel anymore from coming in - ants don’t like mint. If the ants have gotten on any upholstered items, spray the upholstery with the solution as well. Plus your home will smell yummy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are pregnant or have allergies, talk with your physician before using essential oils in the home.
• Never use peppermint oil directly on furniture or floors without diluting as above as it can destroy the finish.

[TheDon]

on 7/21/2008 Absolutely Brilliant! I have to try this for my lawn service! How effective is it?