Tips

“Get Rid of Those Pesky Ants! 4 Super-Effective Tips to Try Now”

If you accidentally leave the lid open or loosely tie a bag, allowing ants to invade, use these four tips to get rid of them.

Administrator

27 August, 2024

1. Using Chopsticks

If you find ants crawling into your sugar jar, grab a few pairs of chopsticks and stick them deep into the bottom of the jar to lure the ants.

Wait until the ants crawl onto the chopsticks, then lift them out and shake off the ants. Repeat this process until all the ants are gone.

Alternatively, you can lean the chopsticks against something to guide the ants in a different direction.

2. Using a Stainless Steel Spoon

This method is quite similar to using chopsticks. Simply use a long stainless steel spoon, stick it deep into the sugar jar until it touches the bottom, and wait for the ants to crawl onto the spoon. Gently lift the spoon out of the jar and take it to another place.

If there are still ants left, continue doing this until the jar is ant-free.

3. Using Newspaper

Pour the sugar onto a clean newspaper placed in a dry and airy area. Tap the newspaper to make the ants crawl out, then get rid of them. Once all the ants are gone, pour the sugar back into the jar.

4. Heating the Sugar Jar

This is probably the most common method used by many when ants invade their sugar jars.

It’s simple: just open the lid of the sugar jar and place it next to the stove. Turn on the heat to a low setting so that the heat gently warms the sugar jar. Wait for a few minutes, and the ants will slowly crawl out due to the heat.

However, be careful not to use too much heat. Just enough to warm the jar and make the ants leave. Using higher heat may burn the sugar and kill the ants inside the jar.

According to the Family & Society magazine.

Frequently asked questions

A natural and effective way to get rid of ants is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the ants and their trails. This solution will repel the ants and disrupt their scent trails, deterring them from returning. Additionally, you can also use essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus oils. Ants are averse to the strong scent of these oils, so apply a few drops along entry points and ant trails to keep them at bay.

One effective bait option is to use a mixture of borax and powdered sugar. Ants are attracted to the sweetness of the sugar, and the borax acts as a slow-acting poison. Mix a tablespoon of borax with three tablespoons of powdered sugar, and place small amounts of this mixture near the ant trails or where they are congregating. Another option is to use peanut butter, which is a favorite food source for ants. Mix peanut butter with borax or baking soda, and place small amounts on wax paper near the infestation. The ants will be attracted to the peanut butter and carry the toxic mixture back to their colony.

Prevention is key when it comes to ant control. Seal any cracks or crevices around your home, especially near doors and windows, using caulk or foam sealant. Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean and free of food crumbs. Store food in airtight containers, and wipe down counters and floors regularly. Ensure that your garbage bins are tightly sealed, and take out the trash regularly. Additionally, remove any standing water or moisture sources, as ants are attracted to moisture.

Cinnamon is a natural repellent for ants due to its strong scent. Sprinkle cinnamon near entry points, windowsills, and other areas where ants may enter. You can also use coffee grounds by sprinkling them around your home’s perimeter or in areas where you’ve seen ant activity. Ants dislike the strong aroma of coffee. Diatomaceous earth is another natural repellent. Sprinkle it around entry points and ant trails; it acts as a desiccant, absorbing the oils and fats from the ants’ exoskeletons, ultimately killing them.