DIY Methods to Get Rid of Ants in Your Apartment

Ah, ants. They're the uninvited guests that turn up in your home, no matter how clean you keep it. 

While they can be a nuisance in any setting, a colony of ants making themselves at home in your aparmtnet can quickly become a stressful situation. 

The good news is that you don't have to resign to living side by side with these tiny intruders. 

With a bit of know-how and some inexpensive items from your local store, you can give these pests their marching orders.

DIY Methods That Are Effective Against Ants

First thing's first, remember that ants are more than just pests you can squish underfoot. They're a highly organized and efficient species, with advanced methods of communication, division of labor, and the ability to access even the tiniest crevices in your walls.

Different ant species may have vastly different behaviors and preferences, so identifying the specific type of ant infesting your apartment can significantly improve the effectiveness of your pest control efforts. 

Here are a few common ant types you might encounter:

• Carpenter ants 
• Odorous house ants 
• Pharoah ants
• Little black ants

With that said, here are our top go-to tips. 

1. Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical compound that's a powerful weapon against ants. When ingested, it disrupts their stomach and can even dry out their exoskeletons. 

Mix it with something sweet to attract the ants, like honey or maple syrup, and place it in areas where you've noticed ant activity. Keep the mixture away from areas where pets or children might come into contact with it.

2. Try Ant Baits

Ant baits are an effective way to kill the entire colony, queen included. Place the bait near ant trails, so workers carry the poison back to the nest. It might take a little while for the bait to work, but soon enough, you'll notice a sharp decline in ant activity. When using ant baits:

• Make sure you read and follow the instructions on the packaging. Some baits are designed for certain species of ants.
• Place the baits out of reach of children and pets, as they can be harmful if ingested.

3. Use a Non-Repellent Spray

Using a non-repellent spray works a bit like ant bait but can deliver faster results. These sprays are undetectable by ants and work by leaving a residue on surfaces that ants will walk over. 

Non-repellent sprays are available in many home improvement stores.

4. Give Boiling Water a Try

This is a method that's particularly effective against outdoor ant nests. Boiling water can quickly kill the ants and disperse the colony.

To use it, pour the water directly into the ant hill and cover the entrance with a towel to ensure the water gets inside.

5. Put Out Vinegar

Ants dislike the strong smell of vinegar, making it an effective natural repellent. Vinegar also disrupts the ant's sensory system, which they use to communicate with one another about food sources.

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray it along ant paths, crevices, and entry points.

For a more potent solution, you can add a few drops of essential oils known for repelling ants, like peppermint or tea tree oil.

6. Use Dish Soap

A simple solution of water and dish soap can work to kill ants on contact. The soap disrupts the ant's exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.

Just mix a few tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle with water and shake well. Then, spray the solution directly onto ants whenever you see them.

7. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that is abrasive to insects and can be used as a natural pesticide against ants. When ants walk through it, the diatomaceous earth sticks to their bodies, absorbs the oils, and causes them to dry out.

Apply a thin layer near ant nests, along entry points, and in areas of ant activity. Be cautious not to breathe in the dust, as it can be irritating to the lungs.

Final Thoughts 

Don't be discouraged if the first method you try doesn't immediately yield the desired results. Ants are persistent, but so are you!

Keep at it, try different strategies, and remember to stay proactive. A clean apartment is the first line of defense against ants, as it removes the attractants that draw them in. Regular deep cleanings, proper food storage, and taking out the trash regularly can significantly reduce the likelihood of ants deciding to move in with you.

And if all else fails, there are professional pest control services such as LaJaunie’s Pest Control that can help. The important thing is to address the issue as soon as possible, because the longer you wait, the bigger the problem can become. You've got this!