Learn how to get rid of ants with simple white vinegar! This method works when you see a few ants inside your home, for larger infestations, please call a us at Go-Forth Pest Control, where we guarantee to cure your ant problem quickly and effectively. But first, let’s talk a little about the ant!
Ants are extremely common insects found all over the world, and they can survive in almost any climate. There are around 10,000 identified species, ranging from 1/3-1/2 inches in size. Ants have 6 legs and are usually red or black in color. They have a common insect body structure which consists of head, thorax, and abdomen. The ant has very large compound eyes and elbowed antenna. They are often mistaken for termites due to their size and body structure.
Ants are actually amazing creatures when they aren’t creating a kitchen or garbage problem. One ant can possess 25,000 brain cells, which makes them quite smart. Also, they can lift up to 20 times their own body weight! There are three types of ants which are the queen, female ants, and male ants. The queen ants, who are the leaders of the colony, possess wings and are the ones that lay all the eggs for reproduction. They are the largest in size and can live as long as 30 years! The female ants, who are the workers in the colony, can live up to 3 years and are much smaller than the queen ant. Their responsibilities include gathering food, defending the colony, tending to the larva, and repairing the nest. Unlike the queen, the female ant has no wings and cannot reproduce. The male or drone ants are able to mate with the queen and are much smaller than even the female ant. Males will only leave the colony once to mate with the queen and soon die 10-14 days afterward.
Ants can get inside your home through cracks on your doors or windows, and they will find a way inside your home to protect themselves. They can easily smell sugary foods inside your home, for example have you ever noticed when you spill something sweet like a sweet candy, some ice cream or soda, that ants will get to it so fast? This is because they love sweet stuff too.
Ants really hate the smell of vinegar, and it also messes up their own scent trail. This makes white vinegar a good solution for simple ant infestations inside your home. This method is a pesticide-free solution that will save you both time and money. This white vinegar solution is perfect because ants absolutely dislike it, along with other very overpowering smells such as garlic, lavender, and essential oils. Ants leave trails of pheromones when they move so they can follow each other, and the vinegar masks this with its strong smell, disabling the ant to be able to sense anything with their antennae. Are you ready to get rid of these unwanted pests? If so, follow these steps to get rid of them:
Step 1: Mix It With Water
You have to mix equals parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils
Add a few drops of any type of essential oils into the bottle and shake well.
Step 3: Spray Entry Points
Use this white vinegar solution to spray all entry points of your home, try to spry all windows, doors, baseboards and the common paths that ants would travel within your home. Give about an hour for this solution to take effect, then after a few hours the ants should be dead. Using a damp paper towel or wipe, clean the areas with ants and discard them. Make sure to spray very evenly and thoroughly to cover all the surfaces to ensure the solution’s effectiveness.
Step 4: Repeat Daily
Unfortunately, your job is not done, you will have to repeat this method several times a week to see results. If you do not see these results immediately, increase the vinegar in your solution. You can also use the vinegar to clean the surfaces in your home, and this will prevent the ants from coming around as well. Sometimes people dislike this method because vinegar can leave an unpleasant odor, but is an extremely easy, safe, and cheap extermination method!
Wondering why to choose this natural solution over pesticides?
For one, pesticides are harmful to all living things and should only be used in extreme situations or handled by professionals. Pesticides can be very harmful and potentially build up pollution over time, damaging plant growth and the air we breathe. Some pest control companies will offer green treatments if you wish to go that route! Contact Go-Forth to hear about our options today and receive a free quote!
