Ants: How to avoid or get rid of an infestation in your home?

Ants are attracted to food, especially sugar, crumbs, fruit, or pet food. Once a source is identified, they signal it to others by leaving a chemical trail, called a trail pheromone, which guides the entire colony to the find.

To prevent pests from invading your home, start by removing sources of interest: clean countertops, floors and corners, store food in airtight containers, don't leave dirty dishes lying around, close trash cans tightly and empty them regularly, and avoid leaving standing water in the sink or under plant pots.

Step 2: Identify the entry point

If ants have ventured into your home, observe their path, which is usually easy to identify because they follow a well-defined line between the outside and their destination. Identify any cracks, crevices, or door/window frames they pass through. This will be useful for blocking them or applying repellents.

Ants hate certain smells. You can therefore create natural barriers that are harmless to you but very dissuasive for them. The most effective natural alternatives are white vinegar (sprayed neat or diluted on paths and entrances), lemon, whose acidity covers their tracks (in juice or zest near entry points), cinnamon, peppermint, cloves, or bay leaf (in powder or essential oil on a cotton ball or in a spray)

Although virtually odorless, chalk or talcum powder can also be used, for purely physical reasons, as many ants dislike their powdery texture. To keep them away, draw a thick line around any openings or sensitive areas. It should act as a protective barrier.

Step 4: Take action if the infestation persists

If natural repellents are not enough, more radical solutions exist.

Among them, the mixture of baking soda and sugar, in which the sugar attracts ants while the baking soda disrupts their digestive system, can be a first solution to repel an overly invasive colony. To apply it, mix the two ingredients in equal parts and place the mixture in bowls out of reach of children and pets.

Diatomaceous earth (uncalcined) is also commonly used. It's a 100% natural and highly effective powder that acts like microblades to dry out insects. To use, sprinkle it in thick lines over passageways and around entrances.

Finally, the market is full of chemical ant traps. These substances, based on gel or poisoned bait, are designed to attract ants, who then bring them back to the anthill, where their delayed effect can eliminate the colony. Their effectiveness is generally significant, but their ecological impact must be taken into account.

Step 5: Prevent them from coming back

Once the infestation is under control, make sure the ants don't return. To do this, seal any cracks or holes in walls, baseboards, or door and window frames. Continue to use gentle repellents (vinegar, lemon, essential oils) for maintenance and keep your home clean and dry, especially in summer.

What if it's a colony in the walls or under my house?