How to Get Rid of Ants the Eco-Friendly Way

Ants can be a definate pest when they enter our homes and gardens. If you're allergic to pesticides and sprays, or just want to get rid of your ants in an eco-friendly way, here are some natural ways to rid yourself of those tiny pests. You probably have some of these items in your home already!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Citrus, herbs, spices (depending on which you prefer)

1. 
   Clean first! Make sure the area you are about to work in is free of standing water or food

   Do Some Sleuthing
   
   One thing that will help you get rid of ants is to figure out why the ants are coming in. What are they after? Maybe they are seeking out crumbs next to the trashcan or water dripping from a faucet. Cleaning these areas is a good first step towards ridding yourself of these tiny creatures.

2. 
   Many of these herbs listed are easy to find and inexpensive to purchase. A lot goes a long way.

   Dry Solutions
   
   The following dry ingredients can be sprinkled in ant-infested areas to discourage further ant excursions:
   
   Mint (Spearmint)
   Cayenne Pepper
   Chili Powder
   Coffee Grounds
   Bay Leaves
   Black Pepper
   Cucumber Slices

3. 
   The acids in citrus burns the ant's feelers. Try using whatever you have in the fridge.

   Wet Solutions (Sprays and Such)
   
   You can mix a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and douse ant-infected areas
   
   You can also make a solution of water and citrus rinds (Like orange, lemon, lime, etc.) and put that in a spray bottle.
   
   Peppermint oil can also be effective. If the infestation is small, sprinkle a few drops in the area.

4. Go to the Source
   
   If you've really got a vendetta, you can go straight to the source of the problem. The best recommendation is to pour boiling water into the anthill.
   
   One solution that I have heard that I have not tried personally is to put grits on the ant hill. I think the theory is that the ants will eat the grits and that they will then swell up. Poof!

Tips & Warnings

• Some of these solutions are going to work for you and others may not. Most of these ingredients are cheap and are better than spraying chemicals in your home. Experiment with different combinations and see what works for you!
• The reason many of these ingredients work is because they contain some type of natural acid that burns the ants feelers. If none of these work, try another food that contains a strong, natural acid.
• Don't be afraid to use coffee grounds outside. It can also act as a natural fertilizer!
• Be careful if you have pets. You might want to try and keep them away from the area you are working on so that they don't eat your ingredients!

[lighthouse1958]

on 6/27/2009 Your article was a good one. I have ants beds alot in my yard. I will for sure try some of these out, thanks 5*

[cdclocks]

on 6/17/2009 grits...that's funny. 5*

[Viol]

on 6/4/2009 Very timely tips. There are lots of ants in our kitchen right now. Thanks for sharing this.

[michellen]

on 6/3/2009 Great ideas - we're fighting ants now!

[edieness]

on 6/2/2009 Great ideas in this article. I had no idea their were so many alternatives to ant traps. 5*