If you’ve ever been the victim of a sugar ant infestation, you know how frustrating and annoying they can be!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been annoyed by sugar ants at some point in your life. And if you’re anything like me, you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible!
Good news, I’ve got the best way to get rid of sugar ants.
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But where do these tiny unwanted pests come from, and what species of ant are they, exactly?
Types of Ants
There are many different species of ants that can invade our homes and yards, and each species will have its own unique set of behaviors and patterns.
Some common species include sugar ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants.
Pavement ants are typically found around the foundation of a building after they have established large colonies under the surface. These ants are highly adaptable and can form new colonies within a few days if they lose their original home to flooding or other environmental hazards.
Carpenter ants typically build their nests in wooded areas outside of buildings, but they may occasionally venture indoors to search for food or moisture.
Fire ants are commonly found in warm climates, where they create large mounds in open grassy spaces. These aggressive insects attack anything that disturbs their mound, so it is important to be cautious when working outdoors near a patch of fire ant hills.
Sugar ants, on the other hand, are more likely to build their nests indoors near sources of food.
Sugar ants are small black ants that get their name from their love of sweet things.
These ants are attracted to anything that contains sweet foods, including honey, maple syrup, fruit, and even sugar cane.
While sugar ants are not typically considered to be a destructive species, their constant search for food can lead them into some pretty inconvenient places.
Luckily, there are several home remedies that you can use to get rid of sugar ants and keep them from returning.
⚠️Below I have listed several ways to get rid of sugar ants. Some are natural remedies and safe for pets and children. Others are not, please research yourself what you feel safe using around your home.
⚠️Pets and children are naturally curious. Even if an item is safe near them, does not mean it is safe if ingested. Please be safe.
The Best Way To Get Rid of Sugar Ants
Many people have experienced the frustration of finding ants in their homes. These pesky insects can be difficult to get rid of, and they often seem to appear out of nowhere.
If you’re dealing with an ant problem, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them for good. One of the most effective methods is to use bait traps. These traps lure ants into a container with food, and then the ants take the bait back to their nest, where it kills the rest of the colony.
You can also try spraying an insecticide around your home’s perimeter. This will create a barrier that ants will be reluctant to cross. With a little patience and perseverance, you can get rid of your ant problem for good.
Some of the most effective home remedies to get rid of sugar ants include:
• Boric acid – Boric acid is a naturally occurring substance that is known for its ability to kill ants. To use boric acid to get rid of sugar ants, mix equal parts boric acid and sugar, and place this mixture in areas where you have seen sugar ants. The sugar will attract the ants, and the boric acid will kill them.
• White Vinegar Solution – Another effective home remedy for sugar ants is white vinegar. This acidic substance can be used to kill sugar ants, as well as to repel them from your home. To use vinegar to get rid of sugar ants, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray this solution in areas where you see sugar ants.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a natural and fragrant home remedy for getting rid of sugar ants. This spice will repel sugar ants, and can also be used to kill them. To use cinnamon to get rid of sugar ants, simply sprinkle some around areas where you see them.
• Peppermint oil – Peppermint oil is another home remedy that can be used to repel and kill sugar ants. To use peppermint oil to get rid of sugar ants, mix equal parts water and peppermint oil, and spray this solution in areas where you see sugar ants. Or you can purchase this spray made with peppermint oil.
• Diatomaceous earth – Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made up of the fossilized remains of algae. This home remedy works by dehydrating and killing sugar ants that come into contact with it. To use diatomaceous earth to get rid of sugar ants, simply sprinkle the powder in areas where you see them.
By incorporating one or more of these home remedies into your sugar ant control plan, you can effectively get rid of sugar ants and keep them from returning.
The best way to get rid of sugar ants is to have a multi-prong approach. While it’s helpful to kill every ant you see invading your kitchen, it won’t get rid of the problem. More will just arrive and drive you crazy.
How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in the Kitchen
To get rid of the sugar ants you need to, get rid of their pheromone trails. Scout ants leave behind a scent that other ants can smell. The ant trails are what attract ants to it, so if you eliminate it, other ants that haven’t been there yet will have a harder time finding the food.
- Use lemon juice to get rid of their scent trails
- Remove their food source by keeping your kitchen countertop clean of food crumbs, don’t leave dirty dishes, and storing food in airtight containers
- Use essential oils like peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, or tea tree oil to repel the ants
- Use bay leaves, pepper, or cinnamon to keep ants away
Another way to stop ants is to supply a food source that will keep them from returning. By using ant traps to attract the ants that are already there, you can let them eliminate themselves. Ant bait is designed to entice the ants to collect the bait, bring it back to the nest and share it with the other ants, therefore killing the entire colony.
Ant bait traps can be purchased at hardware stores and grocery stores. If you’d like to make your own, it’s easy.
How do you make your own ant bait?
Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Corn syrup
- Wax paper
Directions:
- Mix the baking soda and corn syrup in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Place a few drops of the mixture on the sheet of waxed paper.
- Cut the waxed paper into small, thin strips.
- Make bait stations by placing the strips in any areas where you’ve spotted ant activity.
- Add a few drops daily until the sugar ants are all gone.
How to Keep Ants Out of The House
Finding and sealing ants’ entry points and providing deterrents to keep ants away also cuts down on the number of ants even entering in the first place.
- Block their entrance points into your home with petroleum jelly or diatomaceous earth
- Place diatomaceous earth around the entrances to your home
- Sprinkle borax around your home’s entrances
- Place cucumber peels near ant hills to deter them from coming near your house
Additionally, finding the ant nest will take care of the problem at its source. If you can find the ant colony and destroy it, you will get rid of all the ants.
- Use a commercial insecticide to get rid of the ants
- Kill the ants with a natural pesticide like vinegar or lemon juice
- Boil water and pour it over the anthills
If you’ve exhausted the ideas above it may be time to turn to a commercial product. While they are an effective way to get rid of ants of all kinds. Most people are hesitant to use them in and around their homes, with good reason. Aerosol spray isn’t the most pleasant to deal with.
These home remedies for getting rid of sugar ants should help you get rid of those ant colonies once and for all. But if all else fails, professional exterminators may be the answer. A professional pest control company is trained in all kinds of small insects, not just ants.
Overall, there are many different types of ants that may creep into our homes or yards, so it is important to know how to identify them and use the best way to get rid of sugar ants to keep them from coming back.
So what are you waiting for? Start getting rid of sugar ants today!
Which method was the best way to get rid of sugar ants in your house? Let us know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boric acid vs borax for ants?
Boric acid and borax are both effective at killing ants, but they work in different ways. Boric acid is a poison that kills ants by disrupting their digestive system.
Borax, on the other hand, works by dehydrating the ant and causing it to die of thirst. Both chemicals are effective against most types of ants, but borax is generally considered to be more effective against carpenter ants. In terms of safety, boric acid is more toxic to humans and pets than borax, so it should be used with caution. Borax is less toxic and can be used safely around children and pets.
How long does borax take to kill ants?
Borax is a popular household cleaner that is also known for its ability to kill ants. The thing that makes borax so effective at killing ants is its high toxicity. When ants eat borax, it interferes with their digestive system and eventually kills them.
While borax is effective at killing ants, it does take some time for it to work. Ants typically have to ingest a large amount of borax before it is lethal. This means that if you are trying to kill an ant colony, it may take several days for all of the ants to die. However, once they do, you will be rid of your ant problem for good!
Do coffee grounds kill ants?
While it does seem that ants don’t like coffee grounds, they will simply push them out of the way. It doesn’t kill them.
How to kill ants in walls?
Have you ever seen a line of ants marching up your wall, and wondered how they got there – and more importantly, how to get rid of them?
Ants typically enter homes in search of food or shelter, and once they find a suitable spot, they can quickly set up shop. If you want to get rid of ants in your walls, there are a few things you can do. First, try to find the point of entry and seal it off. This will help to prevent more ants from coming inside. Next, locate the nest and treat it with an insecticide. Finally, clean up any food or water sources that may be attracting ants to your home. By taking these steps, you can quickly get rid of ants in your walls.
How to kill sugar ants?
To kill sugar ants, the first step is to identify where they are coming from. There are many different factors that can attract sugar ants, including food left out on counters or floors and moisture accumulated in cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards. Once you have determined the source of your sugar ant problem, you can take action to get rid of them for good. Some common methods include using homemade or store-bought chemical sprays and traps, applying natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth, and sealing off cracks in your home with caulk or expanding foam sealant. In addition, it’s important to clean up any excess food particles that may be a breeding ground for these pesky pests. Overall, with some persistence and a little know-how, it’s easy to banish those pesky sugar ants once and for all!
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