While you may not want to hear it, ants are actually an important part of our environment. They help to aerate soil allowing air and water to pass through and they are important scavengers of small dead animals. But if ants are taking over your house or garden, here are some deterrents to try:
• Vinegar – using a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water, wipe down cupboards, countertops or other places you’ve noticed ant activity. Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar and it also works to remove the ants scent trails.
• Borax – Place a mixture of borax and syrup or jelly (equal parts of each) and place where you’ve noticed ant activity. The borax damages the ant’s digestive system resulting in death.
• Sprinkle garlic, black pepper, chili pepper, cloves, mint or cinnamon where you’ve noticed ants and around your house foundation. Ants reportedly don’t like the smell of these herbs and spices.
• Placing bay leaves in your cupboards and drawers helps to repel ants because they don’t like the smell.
• Leave cucumber and orange peels where you’ve noticed ant activity. These peels are said to be toxic to the fungi ants feed on.
• Ants don’t like the smell of coffee grounds. Sprinkle your used coffee grounds in your garden and other areas.
