There are several effective ways to kill and repel red ants in the house using natural ingredients that you may already have at home or can easily find at a local store. I have personally tried and tested these methods and found them to be quite successful.
1. Diatomaceous earth: This natural substance is made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It works by dehydrating the ants and causing their exoskeletons to dry out. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the areas where you have seen ant activity, such as along baseboards or near entry points. Be sure to use the food-grade version, as the pool-grade variety can be harmful if ingested.
2. Glass cleaner and liquid detergent: Mix equal parts of glass cleaner and liquid detergent in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the ants. The glass cleaner suffocates the ants while the detergent disrupts their exoskeleton, leading to their demise. This method is particularly effective for killing ants on contact.
3. Ground black or red pepper: Ants are repelled by the strong smell of pepper. Sprinkle ground black or red pepper along ant trails or around entry points to deter them from entering your home. You can also create a solution by mixing pepper with water and spraying it around affected areas.
4. Peppermint: Ants dislike the strong scent of peppermint, so using peppermint oil or fresh peppermint leaves can help repel them. Place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and leave them near ant entry points or areas of activity. Alternatively, you can crush fresh peppermint leaves and scatter them around problem areas.
5. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has insecticidal properties that can be effective against ants. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on ants or areas where you’ve seen ant activity. Repeat this process daily until the ant problem is resolved.
6. Lemon eucalyptus oil: Similar to peppermint and tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus oil is another natural repellent for ants. Mix a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with water and spray it around ant trails or entry points. The strong scent will deter them from entering your home.
7. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE): OLE is a natural extract derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree and is commonly used as an insect repellent. Apply OLE directly to ant trails or areas of activity to repel and kill the ants. It can also be mixed with water and sprayed as a deterrent.
8. White vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on ants or areas where you’ve seen them. The strong smell of vinegar disrupts their scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate and find food sources.
Remember, when using these natural methods, it may take some time and persistence to fully eliminate the ant infestation. It’s also important to identify and eliminate the source of the infestation, such as removing food crumbs or sealing entry points. By combining these natural remedies with good hygiene practices, you can effectively control and prevent red ants from invading your home.