Why Ants Are A Problem
Ants are known for searching for food and water, leaving behind scent trails to help other ants locate the source, which creates an infestation. For pet owners, dealing with too many ants can be tricky, as many traditional ant control methods use chemicals that could be harmful to pets. Thankfully, there are safe and pet-friendly solutions that effectively eliminate ants without putting your furry companions at risk. In this guide, we’ll explore different strategies to address ant problems while ensuring your pets stay safe and protected.
4 Pet-Friendly Tips to Remove Ants
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils offer a natural and effective way to deter ants. Scents like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus interfere with ants’ scent trails, making it harder for them to find their way.
How to Use:
- Combine 10-15 drops of essential oil (e.g., peppermint) with 1 cup of water.
- Add a teaspoon of dish soap to help the mixture adhere to surfaces.
- Spray the solution along ant trails, entry points, and other problem areas.
This pet-safe ant spray can be used regularly to keep ants at bay.
2. Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is another natural ant deterrent that’s safe for pets. Its strong odor disrupts ants' scent trails, preventing them from navigating effectively.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture directly on ants and along their trails.
- Use the solution to wipe down surfaces and eliminate any lingering scent trails.
3. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, natural powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. It’s safe for humans and pets, but highly effective against ants and other pests. It works by absorbing their body oils, which leads to dehydration and death.
How to Use:
- Lightly sprinkle diatomaceous earth near entry points, along ant trails, and in areas where ants are commonly seen.
- Reapply if the powder is removed during cleaning or becomes wet.
4. Baking Soda and Sugar
This method uses the ants’ attraction to sugar and the abrasive properties of baking soda to eliminate them.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar.
- Place the mixture in shallow containers or lids near ant trails.
- The ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, effectively eradicating them.
Baking soda is safe for pets in small amounts, making this a pet-friendly option, but be careful not to use too much.
These four natural remedies— essential oils, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and baking soda— are effective and safe for pets, however they only provide temporary relief. For a long lasting solution, combining these methods with professional pest control services ensures that infestations are eliminated and prevented from returning, offering long-term peace of mind.
How to Keep Pet Food Pest-Free
Creating a barrier is an effective way to keep ants away from your pet’s food. One method is to place the food bowl in a shallow dish of water, as ants are unable to cross the water. Alternatively, you can apply petroleum jelly around the base of the bowl to form a slick, ant-resistant barrier.
Regular cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing ants from being drawn to pet food areas. Clean up any spilled food or crumbs immediately and store pet food in tightly sealed, airtight containers to make it less accessible to ants.
Another effective strategy is to use ant-proof containers. These specially designed containers keep dry pet food secure and prevent ants from getting inside. Always ensure the lid is firmly sealed after each use to maintain protection.
How to Safely Remove Ants From Your Yard
There are several pet-friendly ways to eliminate ants from your yard. If you’re able to locate the ants’ nest, an effective method is to pour hot water into it. Find the nest in your yard and carefully pour boiling water into its entrance. Repeat this process as needed until the ants are eradicated.
Another natural option is to use citrus peels, like orange or lemon, to repel ants. Blend citrus peels with water to create a paste, then spread it around ant nests and entry points in your yard. The strong scent of citrus disrupts their trails and keeps them away.
Cinnamon is another excellent, pet-safe ant deterrent. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around ant nests or along the edges of your yard. To ensure it remains effective, reapply after rainfall or watering.
If you’re unable to locate the ant nests, consider reaching out to us for a property inspection.
How to Use Borax for Ants
Borax is a widely used ant killer, but it can be dangerous to pets if consumed. If you choose to use borax, it’s essential to handle it with care to ensure your pets’ safety.
Way to Use Borax:
- Combine 1 part borax with 3 parts powdered sugar.
- Put the mixture in a container with small holes that allow ants to enter but keep pets out.
- Place the container in areas that are out of your pet’s reach, such as under cabinets or on elevated surfaces.
This approach effectively targets the ant colony while keeping the borax safely away from your pets.
Persistent Problems
If your ant problem continues despite these pet-safe methods, our experienced Cooper Pest Solutions team is ready to provide effective, long-term assistance. During our inspection, our skilled ant control technicians will thoroughly assess your property to identify the source of the infestation and determine the specific ant species involved. We pay close attention to locating problem areas, tracking ant entry points, feeding sites, and trails to locate their nests.
For treatment, we use a range of methods and products to eliminate active ants on your property. This may include applying insecticide sprays or powders to interior cracks and crevices. Ant baiting is another highly effective approach, where worker ants transport bait back to their colony, addressing the infestation at its root. The treatment strategy is tailored to factors such as the ant species and the severity of the problem.
Our professionals also focus on exclusion techniques to prevent future ant infestations. This may involve trimming vegetation and sealing potential entry points, such as cracks and gaps.
Additionally, we provide ongoing ant prevention tips to help you maintain a pest-free environment. Our experts will guide you on how to protect your property and keep it safe from future infestations. Please contact us promptly if your home needs an extra layer of protection.