Ants are best known for being a nuisance during the summer, but they’re active all year long. You can’t afford to let your guard down, because the first time you neglect to clean up after a big meal they’ll be ready! In addition to keeping your kitchen clean, you need to store your non-refrigerated food in plastic containers and make sure to take out the trash every night. You don’t have to wait until your trash can is bursting at the seams, and it’s alright to run your dishwasher before it gets completely full!

The Bug Man is always a phone call or a mouse click away when you need quality pest control or humane animal removal services. We’ve been Arkansas’ pest control leader since 1976, and we can help you deal with any stubborn infestations. Here are a few other ways to keep the ants away that don’t require you to use any harmful chemicals in your home.

Vinegar and Lemons-Vinegar is a great household cleaner that’s completely safe to use around children and pets. Keep a spray bottle of vinegar in a convenient location for quick cleanup jobs. Lemon juice can also be used to eradicate the scent of food and remove pheromone trails. You can squeeze some lemon juice into a spray bottle, and stash some rinds or sachets of lemon zest in the back of your cabinets.

Diatomaceous earth-Diatomaceous earth is a silica substance made of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth kills ants and other bugs by absorbing the oils in their skeletons, which dries them out. Add some to the soil in your potted plants, and sprinkle in the back of your cabinets.

Essential oils-Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil all have natural insect repellent properties, and can really give your kitchen a fresh scent! Mix 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to 2 cups of water in a clean plastic spray bottle to spray around your windows and baseboards. You can also saturate a few cotton bolls with essential oils and stash them in the back of your cabinets. Replace weekly.

If you have any questions about ant control, or would like to schedule service, contact us online, or give us a call at (501) 663-9464.