Green Paige

Along with spring flowers and rain showers come the ants.  At least at my house, the ant armies already have us surrounded.  If you are fighting the same war, here are a few tips and concoctions to help you rid yourself of ants in a natural and healthy way.

  

• Boric Acid - Boric acid (Borax) is a low-toxicity mineral with natural insecticidal properties.  When 2 cups of boric acid are mixed with 1 cup of flour and sprinkled around the foundation of the house, it can repel ants.  It does not pose the same health risks associated with synthetic pesticides but it still should be handled with care.  It should be kept out of the reach of children and pets and you should always wear gloves when handling it. 

   

• Mint  - My mother’s solution is to plant mint plants all around the house.  Not only does it seem to deter the ants but your house will always smell minty fresh.

   

• Mint Squares - Mix 4 ounces of mint jelly with 2 tbl sp. of powdered boric acid.  Create small squares of masking tape.  Dab the mint mixture onto the tape squares.  Stick the squares onto floors behind cabinets and appliances where ants have been found.  Keep away from children and pets.  Make sure you wear gloves when handling the boric acid.

   

• Ant Perfume - Ants don’t like:  bone meal, cinnamon, cream of tartar, red chili pepper, salt, dried mint, dried bay leaves, dried sage, cucumber peelings, perfume, paprika or powdered charcoal.  If you take any one of these items and place it where the ants are entering the house, the ants will be repelled.  DO NOT mix these items together.  It might deter the ants but it will also create a stinky perfume that will drive your family and friends away as well. 

   

•  Sugar Syrup - Mix together 1 tbl sp. of sugar, 1 tbl sp. of Borax and 2 tbl sp. of water to make a thick syrup.  Soak cotton balls in the mixture.  Place the balls on jar lids in the middle of the ant infestation.  Keep away from children and pets.  Wear gloves when handling the Borax.  This method might take a while for the ants to be driven away.

   

• Sour Solutions - Mix equal parts of vinegar and water together.  Wash your counters tops with the mixture to discourage ant traffic.  Squeeze lemon juice in holes or cracks where ants are entering your house.  Place the lemon peels around the ant hill entrance.

   

If you have some natural solutions to ant control, please leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you.