27 Sep What Do Ants Hate the Most?
Ants are a common household pest. When they get into the home, it can be nearly impossible to get rid of them. Looking online can provide some different results. Some of them work, and others are entirely false. Don’t worry, though. Proctor Pest Control is here to help! We’ve compiled a legitimate list of things that ants hate. Using these items and prevention methods can help keep your home ant-free for the foreseeable future.
Cayenne Pepper
While you may like cayenne pepper, ants certainly do not. They hate the stuff and will do whatever it takes to stay away from it. As a preventative method, sprinkle cayenne pepper around any areas where you may suspect ants of being. If you see ants, quickly make a cayenne pepper liquid. Mix a liberal amount of cayenne pepper with water and fill a spray bottle. Spraying ants with this will deter them from returning to the spot they were sprayed at.
Cinnamon
Ants don’t just hate cinnamon, it’s deadly to them. When an ant inhales powdered cinnamon it causes suffocation, and the ant dies. This is especially useful when you find ants in your home, and you want to get rid of them quickly. Like cayenne pepper, you can also make a liquid cinnamon spray and use it as a preventative measure.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an interesting way of both killing and preventing ants. This powder is made up of the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. On a microscopic level, the particles are razor-sharp and deadly to ants. It cuts them open and causes them to dry out. It can be purchased in a food-grade variety as well, making it safe to use in the kitchen. To prevent ants from encroaching on your home, sprinkle them on windowsills, under cabinets, and around garbage cans.
Peppermint
Some people love peppermint more than anything. Ants can’t stand it! Peppermint can be purchased as an essential oil. If you have any areas that you may think ants are inhabiting, dab some peppermint oil on a cotton ball and clean the area. This will cause the ants to look somewhere else for their food. If you’ve got a green thumb, planting mint around the perimeter of your home can keep ants away for good!
Vinegar
Last but not least, we have vinegar! Nearly everyone has vinegar of some sort in their home, and ants aren’t picky – they hate it all. Grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Spray ants with it directly to kill them, and quickly clean the mixture up. Then, dilute it a little bit, and spray any suspect areas to prevent ants from entering the home.
Key Takeaways
Ants aren’t too complicated, thankfully. They have their likes and dislikes. Knowing their dislikes is the best way to keep them at bay, and oftentimes exterminate them. If you find that your home remedies aren’t working and you need some assistance, be sure to give us a call at Proctor Pest Control. We’d be happy to help you take care of your ant problems!