What Kills Ants Instantly: Pet Safe Ant Killer and Other Homemade Remedies

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Some of the most annoying things in life can be things that seem trivial in the grander scheme of things. A home that is often infested with ants is definitely one of those. Once ants settle in, it seems almost impossible to remove them entirely, and using modern chemicals to rid your home of ants brings with it another set of complications. In a house with kids and pets, a chemical-filled solution is just not acceptable. So now you need to find out what kills ants instantly but is still a natural option.

Ants on a tree branch thriving. — Ants pest control – Killing ants in a pet safe way

apple cider vinegar with teaspoon and spray bottle

This is exactly why we have for you some of the best and most natural methods to get rid of ants in a jiffy. A few of these remedies kill ants instantly and others kill the ‘ant problem’ by keeping them away forever! Step in to discover these pet-safe home remedies for what kills ants instantly.

1. Diatomaceous Earth

bowl of Diatomaceous Earth — Diatomaceous Earth used to keep ants away

This is particularly a great idea for those who want to rid their small garden or deck that is filled with plants and other greenery. If you’re not familiar with it, Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic, eco-friendly and you will never see ants again as long as you have it around.

Diatomaceous Earth is pretty inexpensive too which makes this 5lb bag a worthwhile investment! Just spray a bit of this ‘magic dust’ in the garden and let it do all the hard work without harming your other plants!

2. Sidewalk Chalk Works all the Time

sticks of sidewalk chalk in blue, green, purple, and orange — Use just normal sidewalk or chalkboard chalk to keep ants away

There are plenty of fancy chalks out there specially designed to keep out pests. But what many homeowners do not know is that a simple line from the daily chalk that you use on boards is both safe and helps drive away ants. Once again it is the story of the chalk breaking up the chemical scent path of ants and even though this might look a touch ungainly, the idea never fails to give you results.

3. Baking Soda

An ant hill being killed using baking soda. — Using baking soda and vinegar to clear out fire ants

This is undoubtedly an explosive solution to your question of what kills ants instantly. Mix a bit of sugar to the baking soda to encourage ants and make sure they taste your special mix. Baking soda disturbs the digestive process of ants and soon their insides will be on the outside and even if that sounds bad, you can rest assured that the pest problem is all but gone.

Depending on the size of your pest problem, you might need quite a bit, so you can get this 5lb bag of baking soda from Amazon for less than $8.

4. Lemon Juice

person juicing lemon into bowl — Spray some lemon juice to keeps ants away

Just like the peel of citrus fruits, you can go a step further by just spraying lemon juice wherever you find an infestation. Lemon juice also contains citric acid and its strong smell makes sure ants just cannot thread in the same area.

An easy way to do this is also by soaking some cotton in lemon juice and placing them at door entrances, window sill, and other openings to ensure ants stay out forever. Grab a gallon of organic lemon juice from Amazon.

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

mint essential oil dropper next to fresh mint plant — Peppermint fragrance oil can be turned into a spray that kills ants

If you love gardening and the smell of fresh peppermint, then you are in luck, as a few of these plants in the garden can make a big difference indeed. For those who are not avid gardeners, spraying a bit of peppermint oil mixed with water around the house can do the trick. Once again, this is a trick that ensures ants simply cannot communicate with one another to form that annoying line that eats away at all things sweet in your home.

You can get this 4oz bottle of peppermint essential oil that will not only keep away pests but can be used in a diffuser, too!

6. Boiling water and Dish Soap

colony of ants carrying crystallized substance that is meant to kill ants. — Keeping it simple when getting rid of ants

Much like the baking powder solution, this is another one of those explosive ideas that kill ants almost instantly. This can be used both within the house and to remove stubborn ant hills in the garden that you just do not want out there.

Pouring boiling water along with some Dish Soap quickly clears out the ants and wipes things clean. You will not have to worry about any side effects either.

7. Dry Peels of Citrus Fruits

bowl of lemons, limes, and oranges — Citrus fruit peels keep ants away in an effective manner

The strong smell of citric acid and other organic acids from dried peels of citrus fruits is strong enough to keep ants away. Be it oranges, lemons, or anything else citrus, these dried peels will kill a few of the ants and easily drive away all the others.

If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand frequently, you can easily substitute this with citrus essential oils. This set of three oils includes lemon, sweet orange, and tangerine while also giving your home a fresh beautiful fragrance.

8. Coffee Grounds

white scoop of coffee grounds — Fresh coffee grounds to clear out ants

The most effective way to get rid of ants without completely killing them is by removing their chemical communication trail. A smart and fragrant way to do this is by unleashing the aroma of fresh coffee grounds.

Much like those peels of citrus fruits, this is definitely a smell we can live it and the ants will hate. If you use coffee pods you can even open those out and scoop the used coffee grinds. A smart solution that works in more ways than one!

9. Making Things Spicy

ceramic bowls filled with various spices — Use the spice rack to keep away ants

Anything from the spice rack keeps away ants almost instantly and you can take this as a general rule since we have tried this first hand. Ants are not really fond of strong, pungent smells (as you would have known by now), and keeping those sugary items close to the spice rack will easily keep the ants away. You can even use a bit of this spicy overdose around the house in the form of pepper powder to drive away the tiny critters.

10. Garlic and Pungent Smells

cloves of garlic sitting in bowl with peppers — Turn to garlic cloves to get rid of those ants

Continuing with the theme of strong smells and ant-killing properties, garlic is another item from your kitchen that can turn away ants with ease. Once again, a bit of garlic here and there works or you can even use its paste to ark out edges where you frequently find those fiery red ants. As an added feature, you will not have to worry about vampire attacks either!

11. Bay Leaves

bay leaves spilling out of glass jar — Using bay leaves to keep ants away

Bay leaves might seem innocuous, but they can be powdered up and used to kill ants almost immediately and to keep them away forever. You can sprinkle dried bay leaf powder in the garden or outdoors as well and it is easy to see the results almost instantly. Another great pet-safe and child-friendly way to keep out ants!

12. Salt and Talc

talc powder spilling onto table — Salt and talc can keep ants away with ease

Looking for a quick and cheap way to kill those ants and keep their irritating line away from your goodies? Talc or even salt does this effectively and cleaning up is not a hassle here. In fact, salt does much more than just drive ants away. It dries them to a point of death and you will see them drop away and wither within not time at all.

13. Vinegar

While ants are attracted to many substances or products you have in your home, vinegar is not one of them. The strong odor from the vinegar will serve as a permanent deterrent to the pests.

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray the mixture onto the areas of your home where the ants are congregating or the areas that are most susceptible to ants. If you are dealing with a serious infestation, you can swap out white vinegar for a stronger solution with apple cider vinegar.

14. Cinnamon

Cinnamon in various forms is an option for killing ants as well as repelling them in the future. Ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on the ants’ path or around an anthill to kill them.

A few drops of cinnamon essential oils mixed with water and sprayed onto ant paths, as well as around cracks, windows, or doors also works as a deterrent. Even leaving cinnamon sticks in commonly infested areas like corners of your kitchen can work.

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Discovering what kills ants instantly while ensuring safety for pets and children can be challenging. Solutions like Diatomaceous Earth and boiling water with dish soap are highly effective and safe for those wondering what kills ants instantly. Common household items such as baking soda, lemon juice, and peppermint essential oil can also help eliminate ants naturally. These home remedies for ants are not only practical but also eco-friendly, ensuring your home remains pest-free without harmful chemicals.

FAQs

What Is the Best Pet Safe Ant Killer?

When dealing with ants, safety is paramount, especially if you have pets. Pet safe ant killers are specially formulated to eliminate ants without posing risks to your furry friends. These products often use natural ingredients like diatomaceous earth or essential oils, which are effective at killing ants but harmless to pets. Always read labels carefully and follow instructions to ensure maximum safety and efficacy.

How Can I Make a DIY Ant Killer at Home?

Creating a DIY ant killer is a cost-effective and straightforward way to tackle ant infestations. Common household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap can be combined to create potent ant-killing solutions. For instance, mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle can help repel ants when sprayed around entry points and trails. Remember to reapply regularly for the best results.

Are There Effective Home Remedies for Ants?

Yes, several home remedies can help manage ant problems. Ingredients such as lemon juice, peppermint oil, and cinnamon are known for their ant-repelling properties. Sprinkling cinnamon around entry points or using a mixture of lemon juice and water to wipe down surfaces can deter ants from entering your home. These natural solutions are not only effective but also safe for both humans and pets.

What Are Some Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ants?

To get rid of ants using home remedies, try methods like using borax mixed with sugar, which ants carry back to their colony, effectively poisoning it. Another popular remedy is sprinkling diatomaceous earth around ant trails and entry points. This natural powder dehydrates ants, leading to their demise. Both methods are eco-friendly and can be used safely around pets and children.

What Is the Best Method That Kills Ants Instantly?

The best way to kill ants involves a combination of baits and barriers. Ant baits, which contain slow-acting poison mixed with an attractive food source, allow ants to carry the poison back to their colony, effectively wiping it out. Additionally, creating barriers with substances like diatomaceous earth or essential oils can prevent new ants from entering your home. Consistent use of these methods will yield the best results.

Does Salt Kill Ants?

Salt can indeed kill ants by dehydrating them. Sprinkling salt directly on ants or around their entry points can deter them from entering your home. However, salt is more of a repellent than a long-term solution. For more effective results, consider combining salt with other ant-killing methods for comprehensive pest control.

What Kills Ants Instantly?

For an instant solution to kill ants, consider using commercial ant sprays that contain fast-acting chemicals. Alternatively, a mixture of dish soap and water can be sprayed directly on ants to kill them on contact. While these methods are effective for immediate results, they should be used alongside long-term strategies like baits and barriers for lasting control.

Is There an Ant Killer Safe for Pets?

Yes, there are several ant killers that are safe for pets. Products labeled as pet-friendly often use natural ingredients like essential oils or diatomaceous earth, which are non-toxic to animals. Always ensure that the product you choose is explicitly marked as safe for pets and follow the application instructions carefully to protect your furry friends.

What Are Some Pet Friendly Ant Killer Options That Work?

Pet friendly ant killers include natural solutions such as diatomaceous earth, which is safe for both pets and humans but deadly to ants. Essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil can also be used to repel ants without harming your pets. These products offer a safe and effective way to manage ant infestations while ensuring the safety of your beloved pets.”