Simple Ways to Get Rid of Sugar Ants (In the Home)

Sugar ants live in the open air.  They will also live in your home too if allowed. If they choose to live indoors it is always a secluded area where no one bothers them for instance, in the attic. These tiny pests are simply wanderers with extraordinary odor receptors that allow them to smell food through vents and cracks and any other opening in your home.

They do, however, congregate around sinks and dishwashers too. They hydrate themselves in these locations because there’s always water available. However, don’t let this frustrate you. Sugar ants won’t stay where there is no food so keeping the floors clean would be the best preventative measure.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants

Before you start treating the first thing to do is to find the trail. After locating the trail make a decision on the best pest control method to use. Here are a few methods to choose from based on where the infestation is occurring.

1. Vacuum:

Vacuum the floors at night to remove food crumbs and to destroy the pheromone trail this also includes carpets and rugs

2. Pantry:

Hanging garlic in the pantry won’t kill the ants but instead will deter the ants as it disguises the smell of food. Simply attach the garlic to a string and tie it in the pantry. Let it remain there for as long as you want.

3. Natural Homemade Insect Repellent

Make a mixture of peppermint essential oil and water in a spray bottle. Next, use it to mist countertops, kitchen islands, drawers, cabinets, and cupboards. You can also use this solution to clean the shelves in the pantry.

4. Ground Coffee

The smell of ground coffee is intolerable to ants this is because it gives them a burning sensation. They just hate that. To set those pesky sugar ants running simply sprinkle the ground coffee on the trail. This method can be used both indoors and outdoor.

5. Ant Baits

Ants baits can be used to destroy the entire colony. How this is done? The ants will take the bait back to the colony for all to enjoy. Doing this the rest of the colony will be terminated. The effect of the bait comes from boric acid or Borax powder as most baits are made from any of the two. These two ingredients are poisonous to ants.

Chemicals:

Organic chemicals can be used to repel or kill sugar ants. However, these chemicals that are purchased in the store must never be used on kitchen countertops even if it says so, as they may come into contact with food. If you believe that the infestation needs more than a DIY homemade solution call the pest control professionals.

To get rid of ants on countertops simply clean with vinegar and water or any other surface cleaner.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants Naturally

If you are trying to eliminate sugar ants the first action is to treat entrances to your home. Keep in mind that sugar lives in colonies so even if you kill the few that you see there’ll be more coming. To get rid of sugar without the use of harsh chemicals simply try any of these ingredients.

Vinegar: Pour the vinegar full strength into a spray bottle and spray the infested areas. If the vinegar is too strong go ahead and add equal parts of cool water and shake well. This vinegar solution can be used to treat, floors, countertops, and entrances like windowsills and doorways. This natural treatment will not only eliminate them but is a natural repellent for keeping ants at bay.

Borax or Boric Acid: Sprinkle the ants’ trail with Borax powder to disguise the pheromones that the ants left for the rest of the colony to follow. The Borax powder or Boric acid will dehydrate the ants making it hard for them to continue their journey. This method works best on floors.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in the Kitchen

Getting rid of ants in the kitchen can be easily done. The trick is to constantly wipe the countertops after every use. Keeping the kitchen clean will not only keep sugar ants out but also keeps roaches, rats, and other food-eating pests out for good.

1. Keep kitchen floors clean by vacuuming and then wiping with a damp mop after every use

2. Clean countertops with vinegar and water, Lysol Surface Cleaner, or dish soap to remove the stickiness

3. Take out the trash daily

4. Avoid letting dirty dishes sit in the kitchen for more than a day

5. Treating…Make a mixture of water and Bugmd in a spray bottle. Use this to mist the affected area and let it dry

To use Bugmd simply read the instructions on the container and then follow step by step. Still, need to know more about Bugmd? Well, Bugmd is made from natural ingredients which makes it organic and is safe for household use.

Just a note to keep in mind, when treating an area with instore chemicals take special precautions if you have pets and children around. Even if it says safe to use, use your own discretion before using.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in the House

If the sugar ants are in the entire house that simply means they are finding food. The first thing is to clean the affected areas in your home, Secondly, wipe down anything that may come in contact with food. Lastly, make sure to clean the floor. Doing this will keep sugar ants away as there is nothing for them to scavage for.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth:

Outdoor…

To keep the ants from entering your home simply sprinkle Diatomaceous earth outside the house. This comes in the form of a white powder that is made from marine phytoplankton. It is non-toxic and safe to use around pets and humans but severely harmful to pests. When consumed by ants it immediately destroys their digestive system which eventually kills them. The procedure is simple, Simply sprinkle the powder on the ants’ trail and let it remain for 3- 4 weeks before wiping up.

The best way to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in the Car

Getting rid of sugar ants in the car is like getting rid of sugar ants in the house. Below are steps to take and do to prevent and kill sugar ants in the car. Found this on Amazon…

Step 1. Remove all garbage from the car

Step 2. Take out the mats

Step 3. Vacuum using an attachable nozzle to get into the corners and crevices of the seats and floor

Step 4. In a spray bottle make a mixture of 2 cups water,1 tbsp white vinegar,1 tbsp baking soda, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake well then mist the interior of the car. While misting simultaneously wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth.