Black ants don't take too long to find food once they have settled in your home. You may leave a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter overnight only to find out the next morning that it has become covered in ants. Once the problem is identified, you can kill these insects with a bug spray, bait, or use common materials to repel them and take steps to prevent them from returning. Read on to know how to get rid of it forever.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Bait and Insecticides
Step 1. Buy a commercial ant bait
This is a very effective method of killing black ants. These are attracted to the bait, which is a mixture of poison and a sweet substance, they eat some and bring more to the nest, where the rest of the colony is in turn exposed to the poison. Within one or two life cycles, the ants will be completely eliminated.
- If you decide to apply this method, be sure to take all necessary precautions to avoid children or pets in the area.
- You can find commercial baits in hardware stores or major supermarkets at really cheap prices.
Step 2. Place bait traps in infested areas
Follow the instructions on the packaging to prepare the traps, then place them on the kitchen counter, in the corners, and in any other areas where you notice the presence of ants. If possible, place one directly in front of the route they usually take.
Depending on the type of trap there are different ways to prepare and activate it. Some require you to put a few drops of bait on a piece of cardboard and then place the cardboard around the house. Other traps simply involve removing a plastic film and placing them in the most infested places
Step 3. Wait a few days before hoping to see positive results
Bait traps take a little longer than spray insecticides or other methods of killing ants, but ultimately they are the most effective solution. Within a few days, the insects will carry the bait to their nest and poison the rest of the colony. In the meantime, make sure the house is clean and free of other food sources, so that the ants just feed on the bait and not on crumbs or sticky residues left in the kitchen.
Step 4. Try an insecticide-based spray product
If you want to be doubly sure that you are getting rid of ants forever, you can also spray a chemical. Buy a specific ant product, following the instructions on the package (for example, you may need to mix it with water or other products), put the solution in a sprayer and spread it in all the infested rooms. You can also apply it around the perimeter of the house to prevent ants from entering.
- Make sure children and pets are away from sprayed areas, as chemicals are harmful if ingested.
- Alternatively, you can also buy a spray product to apply directly on black ants. These are usually more suitable for closed spaces, such as the kitchen. Spray the product wherever you notice the presence of ants and in any cracks and / or crevices where you see them crawling.
- This method generally kills them instantly, so collect all dead ants and dispose of them properly. If you need to spray in an area frequented by children or pets, be sure to clean thoroughly, to prevent possible diseases or harmful consequences due to the product.
Method 2 of 3: Use Natural Repellents
Step 1. Use diatomaceous earth
This substance, also known as diatomaceous earth, is completely natural and safe for humans and pets to use, but it kills ants and other crawling creatures. It is made up of finely ground fossil microparticles that cut the insects' exoskeletons when they walk on them. Sprinkle it in corners, under the sink, on windowsills, and anywhere else where you often see ants.
- Every week or two, vacuum the diatomaceous earth and replace it with fresh one.
- This substance is not very effective in wet areas because it is not sharp when it gets wet.
Step 2. Use baking soda to clean the carpet
If you have noticed an infestation of black ants on the carpet, cover it with a thin layer of baking soda, let it rest for a couple of hours, then use the vacuum cleaner to collect it. You can optionally apply cornstarch to a surface and vacuum it before trying to vacuum the black ants. This substance inserted in the vacuum cleaner bag will suffocate the insects.
Step 3. Try spraying some essential oils
Some natural sprays are effective insect repellents. You can easily make your own by adding 10 drops of essential oil to a cup of water and pouring the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture all over the house to keep ants away. Here are some essential oils and substances you can try:
- Eucalyptus oil (don't use it if you have a cat at home though).
- Tea tree oil.
- Lavender.
- Peppermint.
- Lemon.
- Glass cleaning product.
Step 4. Use boric acid
Maybe you already have a pack in your laundry room. This homemade substance also performs the function of a very effective insecticide. Just sprinkle it in the corners and all around the perimeter of the rooms. Ants and other insects will die after crawling on the dust.
Step 5. Try ground cinnamon
If you don't have any other repellent products on hand, try sprinkling some cinnamon on areas where you often see ants. These insects will be instinctively repelled by the fine dust and strong smell. While a sprinkle of cinnamon won't kill the ants, it can prevent them from returning.
Method 3 of 3: Keep Ants Away
Step 1. Keep floors and kitchen counter clean
Sweeps, vacuum cleaners and wash floors regularly to remove all traces and residues of food, such as crumbs and other spills that would otherwise tend to accumulate. After each meal, clean the kitchen table and counter to remove any leftover food. Ants are attracted to even the smallest spill of sugary food or liquids, so make sure you clean up properly and regularly to prevent them from entering your home.
Step 2. Store the food carefully
It is important not to leave it exposed for too long, otherwise the ants will perceive it and are attracted. If you have an ant infestation, it may be necessary to take additional measures to hermetically and safely seal the food. The following foods should never be left in places where ants can access:
- Maple syrup.
- Fruit juice.
- Sugar.
- Crumbs of bread or crackers.
- Thin-skinned fruit, such as strawberries.
Step 3. Seal doors and windows
Do you often see ants wandering around your home? In this case, you may want to consider sealing the doors and windows so that the ants are unable to enter. Use putty or silicone to seal the window frames and put gaskets under the door and on the sides of the windows. Also observe the house from the outside, in case there are holes or cracks in the walls from which ants could enter.
Advice
- Use chalk, cinnamon, baby powder, black pepper, or cayenne to keep ants at bay.
- Apply a citrus-based repellent to free the house or building from the odors that black ants leave along their path and try to prevent further infestations.
- Maintain an ant-free environment by depriving them of their food source.
- Hire a company specializing in pest control if you have difficulty killing ants on your own. These firms may also offer advice and follow-up checks depending on your specific situation.
Warnings
- Store ant poisons in their original packaging for easy identification and keep them out of the reach of children or pets.
- Take precautions when using poisons. Do not allow them to come into contact with food, drink or water sources.
