Killing the trail means getting rid of the ants and wiping away the pheromone trail they leave behind.
If you prefer to use a spray cleaner, you can spritz all-purpose cleaner or a bleach solution onto the ants, then wipe them up with paper towels. Repeat until all of the ants are removed, then clean the trail 1 more time to remove the pheromones.
Vinegar has a strong smell, but it should dissipate quickly.
Borax and diatomaceous earth both kill ants. Borax is a detergent, which you can find in the laundry aisle. [3] X Research source Diatomaceous earth is made up of crushed fossilized skeletons. Although it’s harmful to ants, it’s nontoxic for humans and pets. [4] X Research source Alternatively, you can place a little borax or diatomaceous earth inside your vacuum cleaner chamber, then vacuum up the ants. Clean the area where the ants were crawling to remove any possible trails. You can use soapy water, an all-purpose cleaner, or an equal parts vinegar-water mixture.
Replace the baits after they dry out, which can occur in 1-3 months depending on the brand. Read the label to find out how long the baits typically last. Don’t spray repellants near your baits, as this will discourage the ants from taking the bait. Follow all instructions to use the product safely. You can find baits at local department stores or online. Use caution when placing baits in homes with children and pets. Although many baits are childproof, they can still harm curious children and pets if the bait is ingested. You should also wash your hands after handling the bait.
Keep children and pets away from the mixture, as it’s toxic. If you have children and pets, a safe way to use the bait is to seal it up in a jar. Punch 2-3 tiny holes in the lid of the jar so that the ants can get inside. Then, seal the lid. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Resources Defence Council Multinational environmental advocacy group focused on grassroots activism and legislative action Go to source Avoid spraying repellants around the bait, as this will keep the ants from getting it. Remove the bait after you don’t see ants for a while, as leaving it out could attract new ants.
Replace the baits when they dry out, which can occur within a few days. You should change it at least once a week until the ant problem is under control. After you stop seeing ants come to the bait, remove it completely so that you don’t attract a new colony.
Keep in mind that the ants you see are often just 10% of the colony, which is why it’s hard to kill them all. If you have carpenter ants, a professional exterminator is your best bet. These ants are large and either black or red. Since carpenter ants eat wood, they can destroy your home if not treated quickly. [10] X Research source
Change out the bait often. It won’t work once it’s dried out, and water will ruin it. [12] X Research source For commercial bait, check the label to see how long it usually lasts before drying out. If you’re using homemade bait, expect it to last a few days to a week.
If you use soapy boiling water, you can increase the effectiveness to 60-70%. Be careful to keep the water on the ant hill, as it can damage surrounding vegetation. This works best on smaller ant hills.
Make sure the product is labeled for use outdoors. Chemical treatments can be harmful to you, children, pets, and the environment, so use them carefully. Follow all product instructions. As an alternative, you can add the insecticide directly to the ant mound.
This may not kill the queen, which means the mound could recover. You can do multiple treatments or switch tactics for a stubborn mound.
Apply a layer of caulk around windows. Fix torn window screens. Use plaster to repair holes in walls. Replace damaged door sweeps.
You can get airtight containers at your local department store, homegoods store, or online.
Don’t allow dirty dishes to sit in the sink. Wash them daily or after every meal, for best results. Spray down and wipe counters using soapy water, an all-purpose cleaner, or a solution of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water. Sweep and mop the kitchen daily to remove crumbs that could attract ants. If your family eats in other areas of your home, you should sweep or vacuum those areas daily.
You don’t need to refill the bowl until the water appears low.
You can also use cinnamon or peppermint essential oil. Simply mix a few drops of the oil into a spray bottle full of water, then spray it around doors and windows. [19] X Research source
