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White Vinegar: A Powerful Classic
Vinegar acts as an olfactory barrier. Spray it on baseboards, windowsills, or suspicious entrances. It masks the pheromones ants use to find their way. It’s a bit like jamming their navigation system.
Coffee Grounds: A Useful Second Life
Don’t throw away your used filters! Place damp coffee grounds near high-traffic areas. Their smell and texture are a major nuisance to them. They also make an excellent natural fertilizer for your plants.
Aromatic plants: double duty
Lavender, peppermint, basil… these fragrant herbs are perfect for keeping ants away. Plant them near windows or place a few branches around the house. For a more targeted effect, use the corresponding essential oils diluted in water, then spray on entry points.
Effective homemade traps
The baking soda and sugar duo
This mixture plays a dual role: the sugar attracts them, while the baking soda disrupts their digestive system. Place the powder in small dishes near the anthill. The ants, by bringing the mixture back to the nest, will contaminate the colony.
Diatomaceous earth: natural but dangerous
This white powder, harmless to humans and pets, is composed of microscopic fossils that abrade the insects’ shells. Sprinkle it along the ants’ usual paths.
Lemon: The Acidic Enemy
A few lemon slices near an entrance or sprayed with lemon juice in strategic locations act as a veritable invisible wall for these insects. Reapply every two to three days to maintain effectiveness.
In the Garden: Preventing Invasions
Outdoors too, ants can quickly become invasive. Here are a few tips:
Avoid piles of dead leaves and rotting branches.
Water sparingly, as humidity attracts colonies.
Use chalk or diatomaceous earth around plants to protect.
Coffee grounds and vinegar are also useful outdoors.
Preventative: Prevention is Better than Cure
Once you’ve gotten rid of the ants, don’t wait for them to come back:
Fill cracks in walls and around windows. Regularly clean neglected areas (under furniture, behind appliances).
Continue to use natural repellents from time to time.
In summary
Ants aren’t inevitable. With a few simple steps and natural products you already have in your cupboards, you can effectively protect your home. These tips are accessible, eco-friendly, and safe for the whole family. So, are you ready to say goodbye to ant infestations?
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