Ants are common pests that can be found in many homes. While they may not pose a major health threat, they can be a nuisance and can contaminate food. In this article, we will provide tips on how to stop the ant problem in your apartment.
Contents
How To Get Rid Of Ants From Your Apartment?
If you have ants in your apartment, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. There is no one correct way to get rid of ants, so it is important to experiment to find what works best in your situation.
Seal Off The Ant Entrance
First, try to identify where the ants are coming from. This will help you target your efforts to get rid of them. Check for any leaks or cracks in your walls or foundation that the ants could be using to get into your home. Also, clean up any food or water spills immediately, as these can attract ants.
Once you have found the entry point, seal it up with caulk or another sealant.
Remove Food, Water, And Shelter
Discourage ants in your apartment by removing food sources that they may be attracted to. This includes removing any food that may be spilled on the floor, cleaning up crumbs or garbage, and putting food away in sealed containers.
This also means getting rid of any spills or messes that may have been made by the ants, as well as clearing away any clutter or debris that might be providing them with shelter.
Use An Ant Bait
Then, use an ant killer to get rid of the ants permanently. There are many different types of ant killers available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for use in your apartment.
Ant baits usually contain poison, so be sure to follow the directions carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets. If you would prefer not to use poison, there are also non-toxic ant baits available.
Diatomaceous Earth
Yet another way to get rid of ants is to use diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. It has a number of uses, including as a mild abrasive, an insecticide for ants and other pests, and an absorbent for liquids.
It works by cutting the exoskeletons of the ants and causing them to dehydrate and die. The powder can be sprinkled around areas where ants are seen or where they are known to travel.
Diatomaceous earth can also be used to keep ants from coming into your home in the first place. Simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home, and they will not be able to cross it.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of the ant infestation, diatomaceous earth is a great option. Just be sure to use it safely and follow the directions on the package, and keep it away from people and pets.
Sugar And Borax
You can also make your own ant bait by mixing sugar and borax together in equal parts. Add some water to make a paste.
Place this mixture on a small plate or in a shallow dish and place it near where you have seen ants. You can also put the paste in a container with holes and put it near where the ants are.
The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will take the borax back to their nest, and that will kill them.
Natural Ant Bait
Vinegar Spray
Another option is to mix together equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to target the ants’ nests.
Cornmeal
Another option is to sprinkle cornmeal around the areas where you’ve seen ants. The bad news is that they can’t digest it, so the cornmeal will kill the ants when they eat it.
Essential Oils
If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of ants in your apartment, try using essential oils. Mix together water and a few drops of peppermint essential oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, or lavender oil in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture around the edges of your door and window frames, and anywhere you have seen ants. The oils will deter the ants from coming near.
Lemon Juice
One way is to use a citrus-based solution using just a few lemons. This can be done by mixing water and lemon juice in a spray bottle. The juice can then be sprayed along the ant trails. Another way to use the citrus solution is to cut a lemon in half and place the cut side down on a plate near the ant scent trail. The citrus scent will eventually deter the ants by confusing their natural homing skills.
Herbs And Spices
Getting rid of ants can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. There are a number of ways to do it, but one of the simplest and most effective is to use herbs and spices. Here are a few of the best herbs and spices to use:
Cayenne pepper: This spice is a great deterrent for ants. They don’t like the smell or the taste, so sprinkling it around your apartment will help keep them away.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural ant deterrent. You can sprinkle it around your apartment to discourage them.
Peppermint: Mint is another herb that ants don’t like. Plant mint around your apartment to keep them away.
Garlic: Garlic is a natural repellent for ants. They don’t like the smell, so planting garlic around your apartment will help keep them away.
Thyme: Thyme is another herb that ants don’t like. Sprinkle it around your apartment to keep them at bay.
Call The Professionals
If you have any questions about how to get rid of ants in your apartment, be sure to ask your landlord or pest control professional for help.
If you have tried these methods and are still seeing ants, you may need to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the species of ant and find the best way to get rid of them.
How To Prevent Ants From Coming Back In The Future
Finally, you can take steps for preventing the next ant invasion.
Don’t Give The Ants What They Want
Keep your kitchen and pantry clean and well-organized and keep your apartment clean and free of food debris. Take away the food source and it will make it harder for ants to find a reason to be in your home.
Also, clean up any food or water spills immediately and vacuum regularly to discourage ants from sticking around.
Store leftover food in airtight containers and empty the trash can regularly.
Ant Patrol
Check for leaks and cracks regularly and seal them up to prevent ants from getting in.
Grow Some Herbs
One way to discourage ants from entering your apartment is to grow herbs near your entrance. Herbs like mint, lavender, and chamomile release oils that ants don’t like. You can either plant the herbs in pots near your door or place them in a sachet and hang them inside.
Natural Insecticide
Another way to keep ants out is to make a natural insecticide. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it around your doorframes and window sills. The acidic smell will deter ants from entering. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for extra protection.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can get rid of ants because it’s a natural deterrent. When ants smell the spice, they’ll avoid your apartment altogether. You can sprinkle cinnamon around your doors and windows, as well as in any other areas where you’ve seen ants congregating.
Diatomaceous Earth As A Barrier
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made up of the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. The sharp edges of these fossils cut through the waxy outer layer of an ant’s body, dehydration quickly sets in, and the ant dies.
To prevent ants from invading your apartment, sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around all potential entry points, such as doors and windows. You can also put some in a small dish and set it near where you’ve seen ants. Just be sure to keep it away from places where people or pets could come into contact with it.
Taking these simple steps will assist in preventing ants and creating an environment that ants will avoid.
Conclusion
With any of these methods, it’s important to be patient. It may take a few weeks for the ants to completely disappear. But eventually, they will, and your apartment will be ant-free!
