DIY Ant Control Techniques

Controlling Ants With Do-It-Yourself Methods

Ants are the most social insects, which come in many different species. Ants are small in size, but they can build nests that are over 1000 times bigger than their bodies. They almost resemble termites, especially the white ants. Ants tend to feed on different types of foods and items around your home. Other than feeding on food crumbs, they can also chew on wood and other sugary stuff emitted by plant bugs.

Always expect to come across ants anywhere around your home. Even though they are not considered dangerous, they can bite bitterly when they sense any danger.

Fun Facts

• They can carry loads that are 20 times their sizes
• There are over 15,000 ant species across the world.
• They breathe through holes around the body {no lungs}
• Ants are very social, which is why they move in colonies most of the time.

Species in Australia

In Australia, there are about 1,300 ant species. The most common species include the Argentine Ant, Black House Ant, Pharaoh Ant, Bulldog Ant, Garden Ant, Ghost Ant, Fire Ant, Green Head Ant, Odorous House Ant, Pavement Ant, among others.

Commonly Found

Ants are generally found in all the states and terrestrial habitats in Australia. In most cases, you will know there is an ant infestation if there is an anthill in your homestead. They can match from the garden towards the house. They can also be found on the pathway and around the patio.

Do-It-Yourself Control Treatment

If you already have an infestation of ants in your home, you will need to find ways of eliminating them before you can think of applying prevention strategies. Start by identifying the exact residence of the ants, which should be an anthill. Proper insecticides should be applied around the area of concentration to reduce their existence.

If the insecticides do not deliver the right effect to eliminate the ants, you can switch to an effective ant bait. Always ensure that you choose the right product from a reputable supplier.

DIY Treatment Effectiveness

Rating = High

Handling the ant infestation with proper DIY treatments can be easy. You will not have a difficult time working with the insecticides and ant bait. Above all, ants are not too delicate or dangerous for you to call an exterminator. So it really is not a must to call one. However, you will need the help of a professional for you to deliver the DIY effectively.

Preventive Strategies

  • Spray a solution of lemon water around the house, as well as along the windows and doors to keep the ants away {they don’t like the smell of lemon}.
  • Keep the house tidy, especially the kitchen. Avoid leaving dirty dishes and food crumbs all over.
  • Place cinnamon, coffee grounds, salt, cayenne pepper, or peppermint leaves in the entrance of the ants to keep them inside.
  • Kill ants by pouring hot water over their colonies or the anthill.
  • Place cotton balls in a solution of borax and sugar, then place them in jar lids around the house. As the ants will be attracted to the sugar, borax will help to poison them.