Ants are small but persistent insects that can quickly become a nuisance when they invade your home. Not only can they contaminate your food, but some ants also have painful bites.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants in your house, this article provides you with effective strategies to eliminate these unwelcome guests.

We’ll also explore what ants eat and how long they live, offering a comprehensive understanding of these fascinating creatures.

1. Identify the Ant Species: Different ant species require different approaches to control and elimination. Some common types of ants found in homes include pavement ants, carpenter ants, and sugar ants. Identifying the ant species will help you choose the most appropriate method to get rid of them.

2. Cleanliness and Hygiene: Ants are attracted to food sources, so maintaining cleanliness and good hygiene in your home is crucial. Wipe down countertops, sweep floors regularly, and promptly clean up any food spills or crumbs. Keep food stored in airtight containers and make sure your trash cans have tightly sealed lids.

3. Seal Entry Points: Ants can find their way into your home through even the tiniest cracks and gaps. Inspect your house for potential entry points such as gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, or openings around utility pipes. Seal these entry points using caulk or weatherstripping to prevent ants from entering your home.

4. Natural Remedies: Several natural remedies can be effective in repelling ants. Some common options include a. Lemon juice or vinegar: Ants dislike the strong scent of lemon juice or vinegar. Wiping down surfaces or spraying these liquids in areas where ants are commonly found can deter them. b. Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon powder along ant trails and entry points to disrupt their scent trails and discourage them from entering. c. Chalk: Draw a line of chalk around entry points to create a barrier that ants won’t cross, as they dislike the texture and composition of chalk.

5. Baiting and Traps: Baits and traps are effective in targeting and eliminating entire ant colonies. Use commercial ant baits or make your own by mixing equal parts borax and powdered sugar. Place these baits near ant trails or in areas where ants are frequently seen. The ants will carry the bait back to the colony, eventually eliminating the entire nest.

6. Professional Pest Control: If you’ve tried various methods without success or if you’re dealing with a persistent ant infestation, it may be necessary to call a professional pest control service. Pest control experts have the knowledge and resources to assess the situation and provide effective solutions tailored to your specific ant problem. 

What Do Ants Eat? 

Ants are omnivores and have diverse diets depending on the species. While some ants primarily feed on sugary substances like nectar, honeydew, or sweets, others are attracted to proteins such as dead insects, meat, or greasy foods. It’s important to note the dietary preferences of the ant species in your home to choose the most effective baiting methods.

1. Sugars: Ants are attracted to sugary substances such as nectar, honeydew produced by aphids, and sweet fruits.

2. Proteins: They also require protein-rich foods, such as insects, seeds, and meat scraps.

3. Fats: Fatty foods like oil and grease are also attractive to certain ant species.

Attracting Ants:

1. Improper Food Storage: Leaving exposed food on counters or crumbs on the floor can attract ants.

2. Moisture: Ants are drawn to damp environments, so leaky pipes or moisture-prone areas can attract them.

How Long Do Ants Live?

The lifespan of ants varies depending on the species and caste within the colony. Worker ants, responsible for foraging and nest maintenance, typically live for several months to a few years. Queen ants, on the other hand, can live for several years or even decades, continuously reproducing and sustaining the colony.

Dealing with an ant infestation can be frustrating, but by following these strategies, you can successfully get rid of ants in your house. Remember to identify the ant species, maintain cleanliness, seal entry points, and consider natural remedies or professional assistance if needed. 

Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

1. Vinegar Solution: A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can deter ants. Spray it on ant trails and entry points to disrupt their scent trails.

2. Lemon: Lemon juice and peels have a natural ant-repellent effect due to their high citric acid content. Place lemon peels near entry points.

3. Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon powder near ant entry points can deter them. Ants dislike the strong smell of cinnamon.

4. Peppermint Oil: Ants dislike the strong scent of peppermint oil. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it in areas where ants are present.

5. Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder is abrasive to ants’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and eventual death. Sprinkle it in areas with ant activity.

6. Borax and Sugar Bait: Mix equal parts borax and powdered sugar. The sugar attracts ants, while the borax damages their digestive systems. Place the mixture in areas frequented by ants, but keep it away from pets and children.

7. Seal Entry Points: Prevent ants from entering by sealing cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and foundations.

8. Remove Food Sources: Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers. Eliminating food sources reduces ant attraction.

9. Soap and Water Solution: Spraying a mixture of liquid soap and water on ants suffocates and kills them. It also erases their scent trails.

10. Plant Barrier: Certain plants like mint, lavender, and rosemary have strong scents that deter ants. Plant them near entry points or in areas prone to infestations.

Types of Ants