Home Remedy to Get Rid of Ants

I have dealt with the dreaded ant problem several times before. Before learning how to get rid of ants, we had one particular summer where I literally vacuumed up the trail of ants that formed in my kitchen every morning. Since we have both children and indoor pets, hiring an exterminator or using harmful chemicals or pesticides to eliminate ants wasn't a viable option for us.

After much trial and error, here are the most effective ways that I have used to get rid of ants inside without using dangerous pesticides. Try all of these ways to get rid of ants until you hit on a winner. For some reason, different methods and ingredients are more effective at different times when trying to eliminate ants. I am assuming it depends on the type of ant that has invaded.

Diatomaceous earth is a great home remedy to get rid of ants. Simply sprinkle lines of it in areas where ants are seen and where they enter your home. This is one of the best ways to get rid of ants that I have used. Be certain to get the right type of diatomaceous earth, however. The kind used for pools and such is harmful to kids and pets. You should be able to find diatomaceous earth at a garden center or nursery. Ask if you are uncertain about the type you are buying.

Baby powder sprinkled in areas where ants invade is also supposed to get rid of ants. I haven't used this method personally, as baby powder contains talcum which is supposed to be a carcinogen when inhaled or ingested. (Ironic, isn't it?)

A lemon juice mixture also works surprisingly well. I can't remember where I learned this home remedy to get rid of ants, but mix up about half lemon juice and half water. Put this in a spray bottle and spray everywhere ants are seen and anywhere they can enter. This includes spraying around the outside of the house. Works wonders if you want to eliminate ants!

Believe it or not, quick grits will help eliminate ants in your home. Just sprinkle them dry anywhere ants have been seen. Once the ants have ingested them, they expand and kill the ants. This is also an effective way to kill ants outside. Just sprinkle the instant grits all around any ant hills.

Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, and peppermint oil all help get rid of ants. To use this method, be sure that a line of the spice or oil is long enough that the ants can't simply go around it to enter your home. If you have toddlers, this method for getting rid of ants isn't recommended for obvious reasons. Pets usually steer clear of these ant killers.

Many people swear by boric acid mixed with anything sweet to get rid of ants. The mixture ratio should be 2 parts sweet substance to 1 part boric acid. It is supposed to be a very effective way to eliminate ants. I didn't use this method because boric acid can be harmful if inhaled and I have a dog with breathing problems already. Its toxicity is supposed to be very low, though.

If outdoor ants and ant hills are a problem, try pouring boiling hot water straight onto the ant hills. Be careful not to burn yourself, as the hot water will splash. You may have to repeat this a few times to kill ants and get rid of them, but it usually causes ants to find more hospitable environments.

Also try the grits and lemon juice mixture methods mentioned above to get rid of ants outside.

If you don't mind commercial ant killers, I've heard many recommendations from friends and family for Terro ant baits. I have been told that Terro baits will get rid of ants in less than a week. I believe that the active ingredient is boric acid. They are also supposed to be safe to use around pets.

Of course, if you want to get rid of ants forever, find out where those suckers are entering and seal it up with caulking. No more ant problem!