Sugar ants are tenacious pests that can cause damage to your home and leave you with a major mess to deal with. These ant species are attracted to sweet foods, which makes them a nuisance inside your house where they’ll seek out any spills or crumbs. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep them at bay using natural remedies and other common household items.
The white vinegar method
A popular ant killer involves mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. When sprayed directly on the ants, it kills them and erases their scent trail. This solution is said to also deter and repel future invaders. This remedy is not considered a long-term solution and should be used as a supplement to other methods of control.
Store-bought solutions
The number of off-the-shelf ant treatments on the market is overwhelming, and it’s difficult to know which ones will work. Generally, store-bought ant control products are designed to be quick fixes and don’t offer long-term results. If you do decide to use a product, read the label thoroughly and follow all instructions.
Baits
For a more long-term solution, it’s recommended to set out bait stations. These stations should be placed along the ant’s trails around your home. The ant will pick up the poison and take it back to its colony, where it will spread to other members of the group. Baits can be purchased at most hardware stores, and it’s important to place them strategically so that the ants don’t see where you’re placing them.
Preventive measures
Keep Sugar Ants Removal out of your kitchen by ensuring food is stored in airtight containers and that counters are kept clean of any crumbs or residue. Wiping down surfaces after preparing meals and emptying trash regularly can help prevent infestations as well.
Sealing any cracks and gaps around entryways will help keep ants out of your home as well. In addition, planting plants with strong scents like peppermint or bay leaves can serve as an effective ant deterrent. If these steps fail, it’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control company that offers integrated pest management (IPM) to tackle your ant problem efficiently and effectively.