Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants Outside
Ants are a common sight in most household yards. They invade your personal space and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Moreover, if you have kids, the ants can pose a danger to their safety as some ants bite or sting. From carpets to sofas to lawns, they seem to be everywhere. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get rid of ants outside, using natural, chemical, and physical methods.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Ants Outside
Natural remedies are safe, non-toxic ways to repel or eradicate ants. Here are some of the most effective natural ways to get rid of ants outside.
Vinegar
Vinegar, with its acidic properties, is a powerful ant repellent. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, use a spray bottle, and apply the mixture wherever you see ants.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil have powerful insecticidal properties and are toxic to ants. Add a few drops of these oils to water, shake well, and apply the mixture wherever you see ants.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is an efficient ant killer. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray the mixture directly onto the ants.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds repel ants due to their acidic nature. Place coffee grounds at the entrance of your house or around the plants to keep ants away.
Using Chemical Sprays to Get Rid of Ants Outside
If natural remedies don’t work or if you have a large ant infestation, you might need to resort to chemical sprays. Here are some of the most effective chemical sprays that work against ants, but remember to read and follow all safety instructions on the label carefully.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a toxic chemical that kills ants by disrupting their metabolism and digestive systems. Apply the powder to the ant-infested areas, and within a few days, it will eradicate all the ants.
Pyrethroids
Pyrethroids are potent insecticides that target the nervous system of ants and kill them. Apply the spray on the ant trails and infested areas.
Fipronil
Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that works against a wide range of pests, including ants. Apply the gel bait directly on the ant trails, and the ants will carry the bait back to the nest, eliminating all the ants.
Tips to Prevent Ants from Entering Your Yard
Prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent ants from entering your yard.
Seal all Cracks and Crevices
Seal all the cracks and crevices that the ants might enter from. Use a silicon-based sealant where possible.
Keep the Yard Clean
Keep the yard clean by removing food debris, covering trash cans, and cleaning up spills as soon as possible.
Reduce Moisture in the Yard
Ants are attracted to moisture, so make sure to fix any leaks or standing water areas in the yard.
Using Borax to Get Rid of Ants Outside
Borax is a natural mineral compound that is non-toxic to humans and pets but deadly to ants. Here’s how to use it.
Making a Borax and Sugar Solution
Mix 1 part borax powder with 3 parts sugar, then mix with water to create a syrupy paste.
Placing the Borax and Sugar Solution
Place the mixture on a flat surface or cotton balls and place them along the ant trails or directly on the ant nest.
Natural Predators of Ants
Natural predators like birds and other insects prey on ants, making them an effective way to reduce the ant population in your yard. Here are some tips to attract natural predators to your yard.
Birds
Build birdhouses and bird feeders to attract birds that might eat ants.
Insects
Ladybugs, spiders, and praying mantises are natural predators of ants and can be attracted to your yard by planting flowers and vegetables that attract them.
Using Physical Barriers to Get Rid of Ants
Physical barriers are a non-toxic way to keep ants out of your yard. Here are some examples of physical barriers you can use.
Gravel
Place a layer of gravel around plants or along the perimeter of the yard to deter ants.
Chalk
Draw a line of chalk around plants or along the perimeter of the yard to keep ants away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various ways to get rid of ants outside, both natural and chemical. While natural remedies are safe and non-toxic, they might not work for large ant infestations. Chemical sprays should be used with caution as they are toxic. Regardless of which method you choose, prevention is crucial in keeping ants out of your yard. By following our tips, you can reduce the ant population in your yard and enjoy your outdoor space safely.