Ants

Ants can be an annoyance when they invade your domain. Not only do they get into food, they cost money in replacing both pet and human foods. 

Fortunately, ants live in colonies, and if you can set the bait, the ones who take it, take it back to their colony to share, and that takes care of the problem.

Home Remedies for Ants:

Fabric Softener Sheets:

Though it seems ants like everything, there are certain tried and true home remedies that ants certainly do not like, and using them can keep ants away! 

I recently read that there is something in Bounce brand dryer sheets that ants shy away from.  I was skeptical but do not like spraying pesticides because I have a very elderly inside dog; I would hate to expose any type of poison, so I tried it. 

I cleaned my counters, paid close attention to where the ants were coming in (around a window, and under the sink), I moistened a few dryer sheets with water, washed the counters, under the sink, and window, then went outside, and pinned one to the bottom of the screen and have not been bothered since. 

There are many home remedies and natural insecticides to get rid of ants, if you don’t want to hire an exterminator, or subject yourself, your household, or your pets to powerful chemicals.

Baby Powder:

It seems that ants do not like baby powder, especially scented talc. Watch the ants’ trails, and sprinkle liberally. The ants will not return. 

Also, sprinkle the talc around indoor pets eating areas, to prevent them from taking advantage of a virtual all you can eat buffet for ants.

White Vinegar Spray:

Fill an inexpensive spray bottle with white vinegar and spray liberally anyplace you have seen the ants. 

Spray under pet bowls, around sinks and windows–anywhere you have seen the ants, and the vinegar will act as a repellent, and keep them away.

Shakley’s Basic H Soap:

This is a non-toxic soap made from soybeans. Mix 1/3 basic H, 2/3 water in a spray bottle, and follow the trail of ants, spraying a thin stream where you see them coming in. 

Also, spray outside of doors and window frames. 

Remember this is soap, so don’t spray it where anyone would slip and be hurt.

Miracle Grow Outside:

Three tablespoons of miracle grow in a sprayer, fill with water, spray around your foundation and even in your yard, to repel ants and fleas.

Bay Leaves:

Bay leaves on counter tops, behind canisters, on window seals, everywhere you see ants, will repel them, and send them packing.