Ants can be a nuisance, and they can also cause damage to your home. But how to get rid of red ants organically? There are, many natural organic methods that have been used for centuries to get rid of ants naturally.
To get rid of these red ants effectively and naturally, one must first understand their habits so as not to harm them while trying to eliminate them using organic methods.
Red ants are a problem that most homeowners have encountered. Pest control companies charge hundreds of dollars to get rid of them, but there is a more effective way for you to handle the issue at home without spending too much money or having harmful chemicals in your house.
Natural methods can be used, such as vinegar and water on bait stations, traps made from dried cornmeal put inside an old jar with holes poked into it so they won’t escape, sticky paper placed around windowsills, and so much more.
The natural methods are not only more affordable, but they also don’t harm the environment or cause any type of damage to your home, making them worth trying out.
This article will discuss ways to get rid of red ants without using harmful chemicals. By following these steps and applying a bit of patience, you can eradicate the problem on your own!
Table of Contents
Identification of Red Ants
Red ants are known to build mounds that can be up to 18cm and 61cm in diameter. They also have two distinct colors, black and red, which help them distinguish themselves from other ants.
When they live together with other species of ants, the red ant is more likely to be dominant towards other species.
Red ants are typically dome-shaped, avoid darkness, and tend to be found in open fields or lawns rather than forests.
Natural organic methods can help eliminate red ant infestations from homes by identifying where the mounds occur most frequently, then taking appropriate action.
Red ants are typically found in colonies that can number up to 10,000. They primarily eat living insects or dead animals and feed on anything they encounter.
How to get rid of red ants organically?
Chalk
Chalk is a natural and organic way to get rid of red ants. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps keep the red ant away from your home.
Chalk is a long, thin strip of material that can be used to draw or write on surfaces. It was originally made from ground limestone and chalk dust.
In order to keep red ants out, chalk can be used. Draw a line using the chalk wherever you see the red ants infestation, and it is not clear so as to why this works, but it definitely does. However, it should remain out of the reach of children.
To be honest, I saw my mother use this method time and again, and I was really surprised at how well it works. It is like the red ants are blind around this chalk line and cannot see beyond it.
Oranges
This is another prominent household natural red ant eradication technique that I learnt about from my superwoman – that is, my mother.
There is nothing as annoying as a red ant bite, and I, for one, hate how they enter our home and start living in it as if it’s their own house and love causing massive inconvenience for us – the actual owners of the house.
The orange peel acts as a natural deterrent for red ants. Red Ants don’t like the citrus scents in oranges and will avoid walking on orange peels when they are present. Orange Paste is a magical sticky substance that can help eliminate red ants.
Pepper
As much as I love pepper, red ants hate it (which makes me love pepper all the more).
If you want an organic way to deter ants, try using pepper. It is also effective against other insects and rodents.
Pepper is a spice that is made from the dried berry of the plant Piper nigrum. It contains a number of benefits, such as inflammation reduction and improved circulation.
When using pepper solution, make sure you clean the area where you want to spray as it will stain.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural and organic way to get rid of ants. Ants can’t stand the smell of white vinegar, so they will leave your property in search of food that doesn’t have any scent.
White vinegar is a popular household remedy for many different types of ailments, including acne and hair growth. All that you must do is mix white vinegar with water and spray it at the spot where you find red ant infestation, and voila, be ready to bid goodbye to these annoying little creatures.
Lemon
Put Lemon peels in places where the red ants enter from, and they will not be able to cross them anymore. Lemon juice is another natural lemon variant that helps get rid of red ants.
Lemons are good for keeping red ants away. The component found in lemons, known as citric acid, is a natural pest repellent because of its bitter taste and smell.
How to get rid of fire ants organically?
- The best method to get rid of fire ants organically is to use an organic spray solution. You can make a dish soap and water mixture in a spray bottle. The solution will work on the red ants’ bodies, not just their heads or feet like other methods might do.
- Another prominent method If you are struggling to get rid of fire ants is vinegar and water. You will need a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water. This method works because it eliminates their food source while they don’t have access to other food sources nearby. The best part about this remedy? It’s natural!
- The lemon juice also repels fire ants, so it’s an effective way to prevent them from coming back. Just pour the juice on the ground near them, and the fire ants will be forced to forage for food sources in other areas.
How to get rid of leaf cutter ants organically?
Natural Insecticide Spray
Leafcutter ants, also known as “red ants,” are a pest in many parts of the world and can destroy crops and can be an annoyance in our homes. Leafcutter ants threaten our food security by attacking them.
Neem oil is an effective and natural organic method for getting rid of leaf cutter ants. The neem leaves have a compound called azadirachtin, which can be applied to the areas where you find them in your house or outside your house by spraying it on plants.
Cayenne Pepper and Baby Powder
Natural leafcutter ant repellants can be made with ingredients like cayenne pepper and baby powder which will get rid of these ants for you.
This spray is an effective way to keep pests away from your house. It should be mixed with equal parts of cayenne pepper and baby powder, then sprayed at the spots where you find leafcutter ant infestation.
What To Do If Nothing Is Working?
If natural remedies aren’t enough, insecticides and professionally manufactured treatments can be used to get rid of ants.
Bait traps
If none of the organic methods are working due to extensive red ant infestation, then it may be time to start using certain inorganic methods. Bait traps are one of them.
Ants eat the bait and bring it back to their nests, killing off other ants in the process. This method won’t produce immediate results but will eventually destroy most of the nest population over time, making your garden safe again for humans and animals alike.
Commercial repellents
The commercial repellant spray is another nonorganic but effective method of red ant eradication, but it can be expensive. They should not be inhaled or ingested.
Commercial repellents are typically long-lasting and strong chemicals. They work by releasing a compound that is designed to disrupt or kill the target pest.
Exterminators
If you are facing serious difficulties trying to remove the ants from your home or office, an exterminator is the best way to go. However, it’s important that you look for someone qualified and committed to using the least toxic products.
When hiring an exterminator, it is important to find out what products they typically use and if they have experience with the type of pest you are dealing with.
If you have children, pets, or respiratory health conditions such as asthma and allergies, let the exterminator know beforehand so they can take measures to protect them during the extermination process.