Pest Control: Ants

First, insects in general play a crucial role in Earth’s natural systems. There are many more beneficial or ‘neutral’ insect species than problem insects. Without beneficial insects, such as ants or bees, we would likely face our own extinction.

Ants have significant ecological value and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Ants aerate soil, disperse seeds, control pest insect populations, and break down organic matter, essentially acting as nature's "clean-up crew".

Key points about the value of ants:

Spraying against caterpillars will also kill the butterflies, bees and other pollinators that keep your trees bearing fruit. Using poisons that kill the beneficial insects makes no sense.

Some granular ant poisons kill ant colonies from within the burrow, thereby reducing the exposure of the poison. However, there is inevitably still exposure and insecticide granules are now underground where other creatures will encounter them. Vegetable roots could absorb this poison.

Poisoned insects (e.g. ants) on the surface may be scavenged by predators such as geckos, which are, in turn, preyed upon by birds and your dog. And so, toxins move higher and higher in the food chain, accumulating in predators’ organs.

Environmentally friendly alternatives to insecticides for ant control in and around houses creating physical barriers—seal cracks and crevices and minimise food sources around the house.

Here are some effective DIY organic ant traps that work well:

1. Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar Trap – the baking soda kills ants

Instructions:

Mix equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar.

Place the mixture in shallow containers or jar lids near ant trails.

The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda reacts with their digestive system.

2. Boric Acid and Sugar Bait – kills ants

Instructions:

Combine 3 parts of powdered sugar and 1 part of boric acid in a bowl.

Add enough water to create a syrupy consistency.

Place small amounts of the bait in shallow containers around areas where ants are seen.

Ensure that these traps are out of reach of children and pets.

3. Vinegar Spray - This solution disrupts ants’ scent trails and repels them.

Instructions:

Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture directly on ant trails and around entry points.

4. Essential Oil Spray – Repels ants

Instructions:

Combine 10-20 drops of peppermint or tea tree essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.

Spray around windows, doors, and other entry points

6. Diatomaceous Earth Barrier – Abrasive to ants, helping to control populations

Instructions:

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and areas where ants are commonly seen.

7. Lemon Juice Spray – masks their scent trails

Instructions:

Mix fresh lemon juice with water in a spray bottle.

Spray around entry points and areas where ants are active to mask their scent trails.

These DIY ideas utilize natural ingredients that are safe for both humans and pets while effectively controlling ant populations around your home.