Ants are a common household pest, like rats, that are drawn to food. While each is typically half the size of a paper clip, a large infestation of ants, called an army or colony, can be an unsightly nuisance.
Not only are they unsightly, but monomorium ants can also even carry pathogenic bacteria harmful to people and the pharaoh ant is related to asthma and respiratory allergies.
While there are many ant-killing solutions on the market, they are full of toxic chemicals and aren’t always the most affordable.
Instead, pest control experts at Flytech Pest Control Solutions have shared an ingredient that’s a staple in most kitchens to repel ants “for good” and stop them entering homes.
While “it won’t kill ants”, the experts claimed that white vinegar is considered to be an “effective natural ant repellent”.
They added: “Ants hate the smell of vinegar, so they will avoid it where possible.
“Diluting white vinegar with water can be a simple way to stop ants from getting into your home and keep them away for good.”
Try using it in a spray bottle and wiping it on surfaces such as floors and windows.
Vinegar can also be an “effective way to wipe away their scent trails”, making it harder for other ants to find food sources in your home.
Pest control pros at Western Exterminator also recommend using vinegar as a “home remedy for insects” and “ants are no exception”.
To use vinegar as a homemade ant spray, simply fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.
They recommended spraying the solution “directly on the ants” and then wiping the area clean with a damp paper towel.
You can also apply this homemade ant spray to the common ant hot spots and places where food is kept, such as cupboards, windowsills, doorways, and work surfaces.
As well as using white vinegar households should also avoid making food sources easily accessible in homes.
Like all other pests, ants need food to survive, and they will gather in areas with a plentiful food source, such as pet food containers and kitchen cupboards with open food packages.
So, one of the easiest natural methods to deter ants from your home is to keep all food in airtight containers and remove and clean pet bowls.
By depriving ants of their food sources, you’ll reduce the likelihood that they will continue to spend time on or around your property.
