What Actually Works on Ants

In our research, there were three scientifically proven ways that can work to deter or eradicate ants from your home. Our sources include the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US National Library of Medicine, and are linked appropriately.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is different from lemon eucalyptus oil, as it comes from the gum eucalyptus tree. It contains a bio-pesticide chemical called PMD, which the EPA has classified as safe to use. People report it is an effective insect repellent, including for ants and mosquitos. You can use this as a spray to target affected areas.

Boric Acid and Borax

Boric acid is proven to kill worker ants and their queen within three weeks of exposure. It erodes the ant’s skeletons and stomachs. It is very important to keep boric acid away from pets and children. Wear gloves while you are working with the poison. To use, add ½ teaspoon of boric acid and 8 teaspoons of sugar to 1 cup of warm water. Stir until acid and sugar are completely dissolved in water. Saturate cotton balls or leave the mixture out in containers where you have seen ants. After use, wash containers thoroughly or discard.

You can substitute for borax with the same recipe, although the effectiveness is only anecdotally recorded. Keep boric acid, borax, and the mixture out of reach from pets and children at all times.

Cinnamon Leaf Oil

If you’re an essential oils buff, you may have cinnamon leaf essential oil on your shelves already. Cinnamon leaf oil has been found to be very effective. Saturate cotton balls with the oil and leave where you’ve seen ants. As with all essential oils, do not ingest these oils and keep away from pets and children, as the oil can make a person very ill.

For this DIY remedy to be effective, the concentration of cinnamon leaf oil is crucial. A high concentration needs to be used and the cotton balls will need to be placed in every place the ants are entering your home.

Why doesn’t everyone use these?

As with everything, there is a catch. The oil of lemon eucalyptus and cinnamon leaf oil are most effectively used when all ant entry points are identifiable. Sometimes, you don’t know where the ants are coming from and you can’t follow the trail. Boric acid is powerful, but can be a concern to keep on hand when there are children or mischievous pets in the house.

To provide a pest-free home without worry, our trained experts can provide immediate treatment, determine entry points, and select the best course of action to ensure a complete eradication of the colony. Give us a call today!

Sources Image: Acrobat Ants by Judy Gallagher