If you’re battling an ant infestation, you’ve probably scoured your home for DIY solutions. Ammonia is often mentioned as a household remedy for pest control, but does it actually kill ants?
Let’s dig into how ammonia works, whether it’s effective against ants, and what alternative methods might do a better job of keeping ants out of your home.
Key Takeaways
- Ammonia can wipe away ant trails but won’t kill ants or get rid of their colonies.
- Ant infestations stay because ammonia doesn’t reach the queen, which is the source of the problem.
- Better ant control options include using baits, sealing cracks, and trying natural remedies like vinegar or essential oils.
- For tough ant problems, professional pest control is the best way to remove ants and stop them for good.
HOW DOES AMMONIA AFFECT ANTS?
Ammonia interacts with any type of ants by disrupting their pheromone trails—the invisible paths ants follow to track food sources and navigate their environment. These trails are crucial for worker ants to communicate with the colony.
By cleaning with ammonia, you might erase these trails, temporarily confusing ants and slowing their progress.
IS AMMONIA EFFECTIVE FOR ANT CONTROL?
Ammonia isn’t designed to kill ants directly. Unlike the residual power of true ant killers like borax (or boric acid) and food-grade diatomaceous earth, it falls short as a long-term ant control solution.
Here’s why:
Ammonia Can’t Kill Ants Reliably
Unless ants are exposed to concentrated ammonia—something unsafe for regular use indoors—it’s unlikely to kill them. Even then, it won’t eliminate the colony.
Ammonia Doesn’t Destroy Ant Colonies
The queen ant is the key to any ant infestation. As long as she continues to produce worker ants, the infestation will persist. Ammonia doesn’t reach the queen or disrupt the inner workings of the colony.
Ants Adapt Quickly
Ants are clever. If their original paths are blocked, they can rebuild scent trails and find new entry points into your home. Without more comprehensive measures, they’ll be back in no time.
Potential Hazards
When used improperly, ammonia’s fumes can harm pets, children, and adults. Safer, more targeted options are readily available.
BETTER OPTIONS FOR GETTING RID OF ANTS
If ammonia isn’t cutting it, don’t worry—there are plenty of more effective options for handling an ant invasion.
Here’s a look at safer, proven methods to keep ants at bay.
1. Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are among the most effective tools for resolving an ant problem. Worker ants carry the ant bait back to the colony, sharing it with other ants—including the queen. Over time, this destroys the colony.
- For sugar ants, opt for sweet bait.
- For carpenter ants or fire ants, protein-based baits work best.
- Place baits near food sources, along window sills, or anywhere you’ve seen ants trailing.
2. Natural Remedies
Prefer natural ways to control ants? Try these household cleaners:
| Natural Remedies | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Combine it with water in an ant spray bottle to erase scent trails and kill ants on contact. |
| Baking Soda and Sugar | Mix these to create a bait that disrupts ants’ digestion. |
| Essential Oils | Apply peppermint or tea tree oils around entry points or along trails. |
3. Home Remedies for Ant Control
Simple solutions like dish soap, hot water, or even bleach can deter ants in the short term. Pouring boiling water into ant hills outdoors is another quick fix.
However, like ammonia, these methods don’t address the root cause of the infestation.
4. Seal Entry Points
Ants often sneak in through tiny cracks and gaps.
Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and window sills for possible entryways. Sealing these spots with caulk can stop ants—and other critters like roaches and fleas—from gaining access.
NEED HELP WITH AN ANT PROBLEM?
Sometimes, a persistent ant infestation requires the help of a professional exterminator.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, our expert technicians use advanced techniques to eliminate black ants, sugar ants, carpenter ants, and other ant species. We’ll even help you prevent future infestations by sealing up your home and removing food sources.
Our experts know how to tackle even the toughest infestations and offer same-day service. Whether it’s ants, cockroaches, or other critters, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to get rid of ants for good and reclaim your home.