TheIKNPost.com — Scents that Ants Hate: Effective Solutions to Get Them Out of Your Home
Crowds of ants that surround leftover food or trash cans often become a problem that disturbs the comfort of the home.
Even though they are small in size, swarms of ants can make your house look dirty and have the potential to cause disturbance and even bites.
Research from Vanderbilt University in the US has proven that ants have extremely sensitive odor receptors, four to five times more so than most other insects.
They use these senses to find food and communicate with other colony members.
Various types of pungent aromas have been proven effective in driving ants out of the house.
Here are some scents that can be used:
Vinegar: The smell of vinegar can block the ants’ sense of smell and remove their pheromone trails. Mix a solution of half vinegar and half water and use it to clean areas where ants frequently pass.
Thyme: Plant thyme in your yard or in small pots inside your home. The aroma will kill ants and attract bees for pollination.
Orange Peel: The pungent smell of orange peel can also repel ants. Place orange peels in areas frequented by ants or spray orange juice on the ant nests.
Essential Oils: Peppermint oil, lemongrass, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus have strong odors and compounds that are toxic to ants.
Ornamental Plants: Plants such as lavender and chrysanthemums have a distinctive aroma that is effective in repelling ants.
Coffee: Brewed coffee grounds give off an aroma that ants don’t like. Sprinkle coffee grounds outside as fertilizer.
Kitchen Spices: Chili peppers, black pepper, and cinnamon also emit aromas that ants don’t like. Sprinkle or place these spices in places where ants often pass by.
Apart from using aroma, there are several other natural ways to get rid of ants from the house:
Boiling Water: Pour boiling water over the ant nest area to kill the entire colony.
Lime Juice and Salt: A mixture of lime juice and salt can confuse and kill ants.
Cloves: Place cloves in areas frequented by ants or spray clove oil on ant nests.
Betel Leaves and Mint: Plant betel leaves and spray mint oil throughout the house and ant nests.
Bitter Cucumber: Slice the bitter cucumber and place it in the ant nest area.
Camphor Powder: Sprinkle camphor powder all over the areas where ants frequently pass to get rid of them.
By using natural ingredients and aromas that ants don’t like, we can keep our house clean and comfortable without having to rely on dangerous chemicals.
Always remember to keep your house clean regularly to prevent ants from returning.
