Pest exterminator Georgios Likopoulos from Fantastic Pest Control has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk how to get rid of ants once they’re indoors.
He said: “Ants are attracted to water, food, and shelter. Once they have secured all three, they start to reproduce.
“It doesn’t take much to attract ants, so immediately clean up any spills or leftovers of food.
“While many people use pesticides or chemicals to fight household pests, others prefer alternative methods.”
These are Georgios’ alternative methods to battle ants without using harsh chemicals:
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
1. Boric acid
By spreading boric acid around the ants’ entry points, it will “repel” them from coming inside.
Boric acid comes in powder form and can be bought online. Intralabs 99 percent Pure Boric Powder costs £6.99 from eBay.
2. Chalk
Chalk can be used in the same way. The ants’ pheromone trail is disrupted by chalk when it’s put down.
3. Coffee grounds
Georgios said coffee grounds can keep sugar ants away if used outside and around entryways.
4. Talcum powder
Like chalk, talcum powder is an “effective and safe” method for banishing ants and can be used around pets and children.
Essential Sensitive Talc costs £1.25 from Waitrose and Sainsbury’s Little Ones Baby Powder costs £1.50.
5. Diatomaceous earth
This can be used to kill carpenter ants and is often used in DIY pest control.
6. Scents
There are a surprising number of scents ants dislike including citrus fruit and vinegar.
Georgios said: “Scents that repel ants include lemon, white vinegar, orange, cinnamon, peppermint, and black pepper—mixed with water to spray entry points and keep ants away.”
7. Don’t offer them food and water
Simply not offering ants food or water should prevent them from entering homes. Keep kitchen and basements clean and tidy, vacuum regularly, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for too long.
Additionally, fix any cracks and crevices near doors and windows to prevent ants and other insects from entering.