Understanding the Ants and Invasion

Types of Common Household Ants

Before discussing how to get rid of ant hills and the colonies they purport, it’s important that we recognize not all of these bugs are the same.

Although it may seem straightforward enough, effectively getting rid of ants starts with understanding the type that you are dealing with.

Here’s a breakdown:

Carpenter Ants
Larger in size, carpenter ants are notorious for causing structural damage in damp wooden environments.

Odorous House Ants
These ants are highly recognizable due to their strong odor when crushed.

Pavement Ants
These pests generally like nesting under pavements and masonry structures that provide an adequate amount of protection from the elements.

Big Headed Ants
As their name would suggest, big headed ants are recognizable by their disproportionately large heads.

Crazy Ants
Crazy ants can be easily identified through their erratic movements and are often found near electronics and other sources of heat/energy.

Reasons for Ant Infestations

Another thing to straighten out before getting into how to get rid of ants permanently is cause – the presence of ants in houses and other indoor environments is often caused by one or more factors.

Food and Water
Like any living thing, ants crave food and water. They’re particularly fond of leftovers and sweets.

Shelter
Warm homes provide ideal nesting sites for ant colonies.

Environment
Sometimes indoor environments can simply be attractive to ants because of moisture or other pests that draw them in, such as termites.

Colony Expansion
In some cases, scouts from ant colonies may be searching for new locations to expand their colony and start a satellite nest in the home.

Getting Rid of Ants Inside and Around the House

How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently Inside

Getting rid of ants can be a tall task considering the wealth of places you’ll typically find ants in house and indoor environments. Generally speaking, the fastest path to success is identifying and remediating whatever’s drawing them in, such as food crumbs or sticky residue on countertops.

After that, the best way to get rid of ants altogether is using some sort of homemade solution to kill them off. Salt, baby powder, lemon juice, chalk, vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon, and peppermint oil are all known to be effective at killing ants and deterring them from coming back. Apply your homemade mix or a store bought product with boric acid (following instructions carefully) where the critters frequent most. It will then just be a matter of waiting it out, allowing the ants to take the poisonous bait back to their nest.

Kitchen

Ants in the kitchen are a uniquely frightening problem, one that some people would liken to the plot of a horror movie. Unsanitary and downright gross, nobody wants bugs in their food. The only challenge? Ants in kitchen areas tend to be particularly pesky.

That’s why there are several special methods on how to get rid of tiny kitchen ants.

Start with the obvious – keep everything clean. Food containers should remain sealed and leftovers tightly wrapped. You can also spray a vinegar water solution to erase ant trails. Using scents ants hate like peppermint along with baits near entry points may also be effective.

Bathroom

Getting rid of ants in the bathroom is a completely different story. Here. they’re not attracted to food, rather the innate moisture of your environment.

That’s why it’s critical to repair any leaking water fixtures and keep surfaces dry. Essential oils can be of value here too – simply spray peppermint or tea tree oil with water to deter foot traffic.

You can also prevent ants in house spaces from the get go by resealing cracks and crevices around window frames, door frames, and other entry points. A simple caulk job can go a long way in trying to get rid of ants and keep the creepy crawlies from coming in.

Walls and Baseboards

Now for one of the biggest challenges of them all – how to get rid of carpenter ants. Comparably behemoths to small ants in kitchen areas, these critters can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked. You’ll need to be very vigilant in spotting where they travel, such as through cracks and holes in walls and baseboards, then seal those gateways immediately. Non-repellent insecticide sprays are also effective, but may need to be reapplied for maximum effect. Spray regularly around windows, doors, and other likely entry points. Serious infestations may demand the professional help of an exterminator.

Living Room

The ants in the kitchen that we discussed aren’t necessarily limited to that room of the house. Small ants in kitchen areas often find their way to other spaces – like living rooms. In this case, the fundamentals of how to get rid of ants permanently still apply. Keep things clean by vacuuming regularly and removing left out food. Ant sprays will deter crossing between the kitchen and other areas. Place ant traps in hidden spaces, like under shelves or behind furniture, to capture any rogue travelers, too. Some preventive measures can also be taken, such as sealing up any cracks and crevices where ants could potentially enter.

Additional Tips

Whether you’ve got ants in the kitchen or ants in garden areas, it’s important to take measures to keep them away from your home.
Here are our top suggestions:

Seal All Entry Points
Look for any cracks or gaps around doors and windows that may provide access, then caulk or seal them immediately. Also learn how to get rid of ant hills and apply that knowledge throughout your yard.

Do Your Chores
Crumbs are an easy meal for ants, so make sure to clean countertops, floors and cabinets frequently.

Take Out the Trash
Make sure all trash cans have lids that fit securely, and check for any residue or spills that might be attracting ants.

Use Store-Bought Ant Killers
If you’re dealing with an ant infestation, peppermint oil for ants may not be enough. Store bought ant killers like EcoRaider Ant Killer, TERRO Liquid Ant Baits, ORTHO Fire Ant Killer, or Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray will usually provide more immediate results.

How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently Outside

Most people would agree that the best way to get rid of ants is the way that lasts. If you find yourself with an infestation, consider the following long-term solutions:

Search for the Source
Look for ant beds in the grass, damaged or wet wood, tree stumps, and other hiding spots.

Use Boiling Water or Insecticide
Want to know the secret to getting rid of ants and hills in one foul swoop? Boiling water. Pouring it directly over the ant hill will kill ants and larvae instantly.

Maintain Your Yard
It’s important to keep your yard free of any materials that can serve as an invitation for ants.

Garden and Backyard

So you’ve learned how to deter ants in the house, but what about outside? The best way to get rid of ants outside may differ depending on what kind of situation you’re looking at. Trimming plants is a great place to start, as it will keep the ants from entering your house. Outdoor ant baits are a great way to deter them as they will be attracted to the bait instead of your abode. You can also use a perimeter spray around your home to create an additional barrier against entry. Finally, you know how to get rid of ant hills and other bad spots of infestation with boiling water – so do it!

Garage and Storage Areas

In most cases, dealing with these critters in garage spaces will mean brushing up on the basics of how to get rid of carpenter ants. They’re by far the most common variety in such wet and damp areas, making the importance of drying your garage out greater than anything else. Storing items proper and using ant granules are two of the best ways to keep them from returning. Mastering how to kill ants with natural ant killer or with other pesticides will also help. Use these treatments regularly, and If the problem persists, seek professional help from an exterminator.

How to Get Rid of Ants: Home Ingredients, Essential Oils, Chemicals and Traps

Home Ingredients

Ultimately, the best way to get rid of ants is whatever method respects your family’s health the most. We’ve discussed how to get rid of ant hills with good old boiling water, but there are additional natural methods you can use.

Black Pepper
Black pepper is a great natural ant killer. Sprinkle it around the entry points and perimeter of your home, or mix it with water to create a spray that will help keep ants away.

Coffee Grounds
The strong smell of coffee grounds makes it difficult for ants to find their food sources and trails. Simply sprinkle the grounds around your home, but be sure to keep them away from pets.

Cornstarch
This homemade ant killer acts as a natural bait that draws ants in and kills them when ingested or brought back to the nest. Mix together equal parts of cornstarch and water to form a paste, which you can then place near ant activity or entry points.

Lemon Juice
Another simple ingredient capable of throwing scent trails off, acidic lemon juice or even peels will confuse ants’ movements throughout your space while also acting as a natural deterrent.

Essential Oils

If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of ants without a trip to the grocery store, consider essential oils. While relaxing to us, these substances work great as a homemade ant killer and deterrent that keeps ants in kitchen spaces gone for good.

Peppermint Oil
A 100 percent concentration of peppermint oil is enough to kill ants in their tracks. Spraying this typically works better than using other repellents like lemon juice and vinegar.

Cedarwood Oil
Non-toxic to both humans and pets, cedarwood is an all natural ant killer you can feel confident using in your home. The lingering scent should naturally repel various ant species for an extended period of time.

Cinnamon Oil
Another safe and effective essential oil, cinnamon has a strong scent that ants don’t like. When sprayed around your home or entry points, it will send ants packing in no time.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a great ant deterrent that can be used in sprays or on cotton balls placed at entry points around the home.

Clove Oil
Containing eugenol, a natural and effective insecticide, clove oil is one of the most powerful ant repellents you can make at home. Some reports report it as up to 88 percent effective in getting rid of carpenter ants.

Chemicals to Get Rid of Ants

Learning how to get rid of tiny ants through natural methods can be helpful, but there may be a point where you need more extreme measures.
Find out how to get rid of ants permanently with the help of store bought products outlined below.

INSECT STOP INSECTICIDE FOR ANTS – INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR 1KG
This potent insecticide is great for getting rid of ants that refuse to go away both inside and outside of the home.

INSECT STOP INSECTICIDE FOR COCKROACHES AND ANTS – INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR 200G
Effective against both ants and cockroaches, the dual blend should tackle any and all pests you’re dealing with.

FIPRONIL
Fipronil is an excellent, more natural alternative to Hydramethylnon.

Baits & Traps

How do you get rid of ants the smart way, you may ask? Baits and traps. You don’t need to know how to kill ants yourself – simply how to make them kill themselves. Just keep in mind that this method may take a little longer to work.

Ant baits work by mixing a pesticide with an attractant, such as food. The worker ants carry the bait to their colony, targeting the queen. They come in granules, gels, liquids and solids.

Placement
Baits should be placed in ant-active areas, away from children, pets and food sources – preferably outside of the home. They’re ideal for ants in garden spaces.

Maintenance
Baits that have been exposed to the weather or those which ants ignore should be replaced.

Dealing with Specific Types of Ants

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants
Getting rid of sugar ants can be tough because they are highly adaptable and have a high reproductive rate. The most effective way to get rid of them is with borax-laced sugar spray.

How to Get Rid of Velvet Ants
Why are velvet ants so hard to kill? It’s simple – a lack of natural predators. You’ll need to become one by using insecticides in strategic places.

How to Get Rid of Ghost Ants
The most effective way to get rid of ghost ants is by using specific ant baits. These are available at most garden and home improvement stores.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
You should know how to kill carpenter ants the DIY way by now, but in cases of actual infestation, that likely won’t be enough. You’ll need to recruit the help of a professional exterminator to address the potentially damaging effects that these pests can have on your home’s structure.

You can also do some reading on How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants By Yourself Easily Using an insecticide that has pyrethroids as an active ingredient – although it won’t guarantee the results that a professional can.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants
Fire ants are notoriously hard to get rid of. They’re best addressed with products that are specifically designed to combat fire ants. When using such a product, be sure to follow all instructions closely and take safety precautions. Fire ants can sting and may cause allergic reactions in some people.

How to Prevent Ants

Cleaning and Maintenance Tip

A big part of learning how to get rid of ants permanently is learning how to also keep ants away.
Here are some best practices:

Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your home clean is key to reducing the chances of attracting ants. Ensure that all food is left in airtight containers and there are no spills, especially sugary substances. Make sure you regularly take out the trash and ensure that bins are sealed before placing them outside.

Household Awareness
Educating those living in your house about how to stop ants is important. Make sure everyone knows to avoid leaving any food out and to clean up immediately after eating or drinking.

Avoid Moisture
Ants are attracted to moisture and dampness, so it’s essential you make sure there is no standing water in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Inspect for leaky pipes and keep all surfaces dry.

Regular Inspection
Checking your home on a regular basis can help detect ant colonies or activities early on before they become a bigger problem.

Yard Maintenance Tips

Beyond knowing how to get rid of ant hills, keeping ants in garden areas gone also requires taking preventative measures. For instance, it is important to avoid water accumulation that can attract ants by making sure there are no leaky pipes or faucets in the home. Firewood should also be kept a safe distance from the house, at least 20 feet away.

In addition, natural barriers can be used to keep ants from entering the home, such as planting mint or bay leaves near entry points. Finally, it is also a good idea to consider an annual inspection by a pest control service to ensure the ant problem is being kept under control. They know how to keep ants away through methods that are both safe and effective and can provide valuable advice on improving your approach to dealing with these pesky creatures over the long-term.

Need Professional Help? Call Jiffy Home!

Tired of ants in your house? Let Jiffy Home Help!

Our team doesn’t just know how to kill ants, but how to get rid of ants permanently and keep them from ever coming back. Eco-friendly solutions mean that your family, pets, and environment stay safe, while targeted treatments mean that your ant problem is eliminated for good.

Schedule a service right through our website in just a few clicks. Don’t let ants diminish the comfort of your home. Reach out to Jiffy Home today and reclaim your space today!

From pest control to home maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Conclusion

This article has gone over a wealth of information regarding best practices and strategies to kill ants, all of which can be effective when applied properly. But it’s important to recognize that regardless of whether you’re using a natural ant killer or chemical based solution, there is no single way to figure out how to get rid of ants overnight.

Your best chance at a long-term ant solution is to identify the source of the ants, such as food sources or entry points in your home, then targeting your prevention and extermination strategies accordingly. Also remember the importance of prevention through sanitation and cleaning, which can help to naturally discourage ants from entering your home in the first place.