Spotted a couple of ants on your kitchen counter yesterday? We’re sorry to tell you this, but there may be hundreds more ants hiding within your kitchen walls and cabinets! These pesky little insects tend to nest and swarm in our homes, no matter how clean and neat we keep our kitchen. With that in mind, we came up with some of the easiest and most effective tips on how to get rid of ants permanently.

1. Peppermint Essential Oil

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Peppermint hides the aroma of ant pheromones and checks their invasion

Have you heard of pheromones? They are substances/scents released by animals and humans to affect physiology or behaviour of others of its species. To let other ants know when food is nearby or when there is danger ahead, ants frequently leave a pheromone trail wherever they travel. They also emit several forms of smell signals and peppermint’s fragrance is known to cover up that scent.

Spray a solution made of water and a few drops of peppermint essential oil where ants are frequently seen in your home. Wondering how to get rid of ants in the kitchen effortlessly? Grow peppermint plants. It’s that simple.

Also read: Dengue Fever in Singapore: Symptoms of Dengue and How to Prevent Breeding of Aedes Mosquito

2. Use Vinegar

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Vinegar hides the aroma of ant pheromones and derails their trail

Just as we mentioned above, ants release pheromones too! Vinegar is known to hide the aroma of ant pheromones. How to use it to get rid of ants? Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar to create a vinegar mist. Spray in and around the problem areas and ant entrances. Vinegar spray is one of the best tips on how to get rid of ants in HDB immediately.

3. Spices Like Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper

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Cayenne or black pepper releases strong, spicy aroma which deters ants

For ants, cayenne pepper functions more as a deterrent than a toxin. But how to get rid of ants at home with this pepper? Spray the afflicted regions with a mixture of cayenne pepper and water. You can also use black pepper if cayenne pepper is not available. Cayenne pepper leaves a strong, spicy aroma that ants detest. However, you’re also advised to stay away from it because of its strong aroma.

4. Use Ant Baits or Ant Gels

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Use an ant-bait to track their source or nest, and use sprays to get rid of them

To get rid of ants at home, you need to identify the source/colonies from where they are coming. Any type of ant bait can be used to find the source if you can’t find the ant colonies. Simply put out  some candy or sugar, then watch as ants begin to transport the food to their nest. Once the colony has been located, you know the drill and can use any of the above methods or chemical treatments to wipe it out.

You can use an over-the-counter gel to get rid of ants in your house if the infestation is not too bad. You may purchase ant gels at your nearby stores for a reasonable price, and they are completely safe.

5. Use Chalk

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Chalk covers up the odour left by other ants and renders them blind to surroundings

Surprising, right? How to get rid of ants in HDB using this chalk? Simply draw a line using chalk in the area where there is an ant infestation. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, and powdered materials like chalk are reportedly unappealing to ants. It again covers up the odours left behind by other ants and renders them fully blind to their surroundings. A chalk derails an ant from its path and temporarily keeps ants away.

6. Citrus Peel Spray

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Citrus sprays release a fragrance which the ants dislike

Try a citrus peel spray if you can’t tolerate some of the other scents on this list or you don’t like the greasy residue that some essential oils can leave behind. They are also quite simple to curate. Just heat up some lemon, orange, or lime peels after soaking them in water. Drain the citrus-infused liquid afterward and keep it in a spray bottle after it has cooled.

7. Proper Housekeeping Measures to Get Rid of Ants

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Housekeeping measures not just get rid of ants but also prevent their infestation

In general, keeping a clean home is necessary for our health and living conditions, but getting rid of and preventing ant infestations is even more crucial. Proper housekeeping measures need to be taken both to prevent and get rid of ants.

  • Food that draws ants should be kept in sealed containers, and food packets should be tied securely.
  • To get rid of any food stains or crumbs that attract ants, disinfect and wipe down surfaces.
  • To remove any food leftovers which attract ants, particularly in confined spaces and behind furniture, periodically vacuum and mop your floors.
  • Take out the trash every day to get rid of an ant nest.

How Can Livspace Help You?

We hope you found our ideas on how to get rid of ants permanently useful! Are you facing problems with other pests in your home? Check out home remedies on how to keep lizards out from your home.

Apart from homekeeping, if you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Have some comments and suggestions you’d like to share with us? We’re all ears! Feel free to write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com.