Taken from Ladies' Home Journal (May 2010):
Things you need -
Caulk
Sponges
Cleaning Spray
Black Pepper
Vinegar
Chalk
Cream of Wheat
DIY Solution: Ants invade because they find food.
So the first step is a thorough cleaning.
Next, caulk visible cracks around kitchen counters and under the sink.
You can use ant baits but why not try some natural deterrents that are likely in your cupboards.
Sprinkle dry Cream of Wheat, indigestible (and lethal)to ants, along the room's perimeter. Use substances ants don't like to cross - chalk, cinnamon and ground pepper are a few - as a barrier to block their main corridors. Or spray full strength vinegar near doors and windowsills. Another popular home remedy: Mix borax, a naturally occurring mineral that's toxic to ants, with a little maple syrup (avoid this method if you have pets or kids). With these techniques you should see a major reduction in 30 days or less depending on the colony size.
I thought these methods were interesting. I will have to try them out.
We have been using Ortho Home Defense and that seems to be working great. I would like to go all natural if possible. The kids are allergic to ant bites. Luckily, we have kept them at bay and they haven't infiltrated our home. But, you know how sneaky they can be. I'll let you know if any of these techniques work.
