Pharaoh ants can invade homes silently and rapidly, turning a small problem into a larger headache. To get rid of them naturally, try using simple ingredients like essential oils or diatomaceous earth.
Are you tired of chemical-laden solutions that may harm your home environment? Keep reading to discover effective strategies for a pest-free home.
Key Takeaways
- Natural remedies, such as honey, vinegar, baking soda, and sugar, can effectively attract and eliminate Pharaoh ants without harmful chemicals.
- Diatomaceous earth and boric acid mixtures offer physical and toxic barriers, damaging their exoskeletons or disrupting their internal systems.
- Essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree, disrupt their pheromone trails to prevent re-infestation.
- Consistent prevention strategies and hiring pest control professionals are crucial to keep Pharaoh ants away permanently.
5 NATURAL REMEDIES TO GET RID OF PHARAOH ANTS
Exploring natural methods to get rid of Pharaoh ants can be effective and safer for the environment. Here are five remedies that help control infestations without using harsh insecticides.
1. Honey And Vinegar Solution
A honey and vinegar solution attracts and repels this species of ants. Honey’s sweetness draws the worker ants, while vinegar disrupts their sense of smell. This combination makes it harder for them to navigate back to ant colonies.
To create this attractant for ant extermination, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts honey and vinegar in a bowl.
- Soak cotton balls in the mixture.
- Place the soaked cotton near ant trails and suspected entry points.
- Regularly replace the cotton as needed until ant activity decreases.
2. Baking Soda And Sugar Bait
Baking soda is an effective natural method for killing Pharaoh ants. When combined with sugar, it serves as a potent Pharaoh ant bait. The sugar draws the ants in, while the baking soda disrupts their digestive systems, leading to their demise.
Here’s how you can use this ant bait to target the entire colony:
- Combine 1 part baking soda with 1 part sugar.
- Place small piles of the mixture in areas with observed ant activity.
- Be patient as the worker ants carry the bait back to the colony.
- Monitor and replenish as necessary.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring substance lethal to insects like Pharaoh ants, sugar ants, and carpenter ants. Its tiny particles can damage their exoskeleton, leading to dehydration.
To use diatomaceous earth for ant control:
- Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where ants are seen.
- Focus on entrances, along trails, and near nests.
- Reapply after rain or heavy cleaning.
- Keep the area dry for sustained maximum effectiveness.
4. Boric Acid And Peanut Butter
Boric acid mixed with peanut butter can create an attractive bait for Pharaoh ants. The peanut butter enhances the flavor, while the boric acid acts as a slow-acting toxin, giving ants time to transport it back to their nests.
To prepare this bait, follow these steps:
- Mix 2 parts peanut butter with 1 part boric acid until well combined.
- Place small amounts of the bait on a piece of cardboard.
- Set the cardboard near Pharaoh ant colonies and trails.
- Keep out or inaccessible to pets.
5. Essential Oils
Due to their strong scents and properties, essential oils can repel Pharaoh ants. Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus can disrupt their pheromone trails, making it difficult for them to communicate and navigate.
To use essential oils as repellents for your ant problems:
- Combine 10-20 drops of essential oil with 200 ml of water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray areas where ants are present, focusing on entry points.
- Reapply every few days or after rain.
HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE ANT INFESTATIONS
Once you get rid of them, preventing another Pharaoh ant infestation is crucial. Since they carry pathogens like salmonella, you must take action cautiously.
For homeowners, here’s what you can do:
- Check for gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices.
- Store food sources rich in protein and carbohydrates in airtight containers.
- Wipe down countertops and clean floor spills promptly.
- Don’t forget to clear pet food bowls as well.
- If ants are spotted, clean the surface area with soapy water.
- Look for hidden entry points in wall voids.
- Keep plants and shrubs away from the exterior.
- Fix leaky pipes and reduce water sources where ants might thrive.
- Look at areas like window sills and baseboards for any signs of intrusion.
PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS
While natural remedies can help reduce ant populations, they may not completely eradicate a Pharaoh ant infestation. When this happens, hiring a professional pest control company can be a wise step.
These pest control experts understand the behavior of different ant species and can tailor solutions accordingly.
Here’s how professionals get rid of ants:
| Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Identification | Correctly identify Pharaoh ants from other types of ants, such as Argentine ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. |
| Inspection | Locating existing ant nests or new colonies and assessing the climate and environment for optimal treatment. |
| Treatment Plan | Customized strategies using natural or chemical options, such as ant bait gels, barriers, and pesticides. |
| Extermination | Targeted methods for effective ant removal based on the tailored treatment plans. |
| Follow-up Checks | Ensuring the problem doesn’t return by re-assessing the effectiveness of the Pharaoh ant control. |
| Prevention Advice | Tips to prevent future infestations of ants and other pests like bed bugs and termites. |
Should You Call the Experts?
Sometimes, dealing with pharaoh ants can be tricky. It’s not just about getting rid of a few ants here and there. If your DIY natural methods aren’t making a dent and ants keep coming back, it’s a sign to get help from pest control.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s ant control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.