Gabriel Rickles
Sugar ants are tiny but can cause a lot of frustration with their infestations. Fortunately, several tried-and-tested methods can help tackle this problem. Here are 10 effective ways to keep sugar ants out of your home. Some offer a permanent elimination, while some act as a strong repellent.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Crumbs and spills attract sugar ants and make your kitchen their favorite spot. Wipe down all surfaces with soapy water to remove any lingering smell. This simple habit disrupts their communication and prevents future infestations to ensure a pest-free home.
Seal Entry Points
Block all access points to keep the sugar ants out and force them to seek food and shelter elsewhere. Identify gaps around the windows and doors and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. Inspect regularly for new gaps.
Use Borax Bait
A mixture of sugar and borax works perfectly to eliminate sugar ants. The sweet bait attracts them, while borax disrupts their digestive system, ultimately wiping out the colony. This solution will transport the poison back through the ants to their nest, which leads to complete eradication.
Deploy Diatomaceous Earth
Fossilized algae are converted to a fine powder called diatomaceous earth. It is harmless to humans and pets but dehydrates insects upon contact and causes their demise. Sprinkle it along ant trails and entry points. It acts as a long-lasting and natural barrier against infestations.
Set Up Vinegar Barriers
Unlike chemical sprays, vinegar is a non-toxic alternative that disrupts ant pheromone trails. A mixture of vinegar with equal parts of water repels ants instantly. While it doesn’t kill them, it prevents them from locating food sources, which makes it highly effective.
Remove Water Sources
Fix any leaking pipes or faucets to avoid any puddles. Wipe up stagnant water, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. It is prudent to check if the house has proper ventilation to reduce moisture. Sugar ants struggle to survive without access to water, and this naturally decreases the population.
Store Food In An Airtight Container
To deter sugar ants, store pantry staples in sealed containers and keep fruits in the refrigerator or under wraps. Do not leave pet food out overnight, and dispose of the trash regularly. Taking these precautions removes their food supply and forces them to move on.
Use Citrus Peels
Essential Oils
Essential oils help keep away sugar ants in a natural way without the use of harmful chemicals. They come in different fragrances like peppermint, tea tree, and lemon. Mix them with water and spray them on the doors and windows to repel them instantly. The pleasant scent is a bonus.
Install Ant Traps
Hidden colonies of sugar ants persist in the darkest corners of the house unless tackled at the source. Store-bought ant traps lure and poison entire colonies to ensure they are wiped out from within rather than just temporarily repelled.
