The annual infestation of ant are showing up outside of our home again this year. We usually only act when they find their way into the house, and so far this year we've been lucky. But it got me to thinking if there was any natural, chemical-free ant repellent or killers we could use if they do show their little industrious heads inside our home in the future. Here are some ideas that I found at a couple of sites that come highly recommended:
For inside:
(1) Mix a bit of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe down your surfaces such as floors, counter tops, tables etc. Apparently the ants hate vinegar and will not cross the line of vinegar.
(2) Combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of borox laundry detergent in a pan and bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Add a bit of the mixture in a low sided plastic lid or container. The ants will be attracted by the sugar and will take it back to their nest, where they eat it and die. (Be cautious where you place this if you have small children or pets that might get into it also)
(courtesy of Dollar Stretcher.com)
For outside:
Combine 1 part boric acid and 2 parts of mint jelly or cracker crumbs. Place mixture in a container with a lid and holes big enough for the ants to enter. Worker ants will carry it back to the nest where it is eaten by the queen and the entire colony.
Caution - boric acid is deadly if swallowed, so use caution if you have small children or pets.
(courtesy of Recipegoldmine.com)
