How to control Ants Without Poison

Ants are pests in the house. In the home common ants aren't
harmful but they are a nuisance. There are many natural
repellants which can be used to discourage ants from kitchen
counters, pantries, and other areas where food lures them in.

As a first step try to prevent the ants from entering the house.
Use less chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the lawn and
gardens. These cause an imbalance in the biological makeup of
the soil. Stressed soil and plants attract ants.

Many species of ants like to drink honeydew from aphids.
If good control of aphids in plants and gardens near houses is
exercised, ants will be less numerous. Ants seem to dislike
spearmint, tansy, and pennyroyal. Plant these near the house
to keep ants away. Sweet fern is particularly disliked by red ants.

A simple recipe to repel ants can be made by adding to an eight
ounce bottle of mild liquid soap one ounce each of citronella,
pennyroyal, peppermint, cinnamon, rose and tea oil. Mix
together and add three tablespoons to two cups of water. Spray
where ants are entering the house. This the formula can be used
to wash down counters in the kitchen but only use one-half
tablespoon to two cups of water.

Spray trash and recycling bins if ants are a problem there.
For anthills near the house pour boiling water into the nest.
Once ants have entered the house, other measures have to be
taken.

Pennyroyal, tansy, and mint leaves scattered on surfaces
where ants are found can be used as a deterrent. Bay leaves
broken in small pieces is also helpful.

Some people have found a mixture of the following ingredients
helpful in repelling ants. One cup water, one- fourth cup plus
one tablespoon hot sauce,, one-fourth cut liquid soap, and one
teaspoon spearmint of peppermint flavoring. Put in a spray
bottle and spray where ants enter the house.

Washing down counters with an equal solution of vinegar and
water is repulsive to ants. Powdered cloves or red pepper
sprinkled on surface where ants are found serves as an excellent
repellant. Ants are extremely fastidious and will not return to
where these hot spices can get on their feet and antennae.

If it's not too inconvenient, sticky fly paper placed in strategic
areas will capture crawling ants. Perhaps one of the most
unusual substances used that discourages ants from pantry
shelves are broken egg shells.

Lastly, clean up all food after eating for it is the crumbs that
attracts the ants.

For more ways to control ants visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/antcontrol.htm
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature,
animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and
reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Keywords: ants, control, poison, organic, pest, garden
About the AuthorMarilyn Pokorney, Ord, NE USAmarilynp@nctc.netmailto:USAmarilynp@nctc.net
http://www.apluswriting.net/