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How to Kill Ants for Free With Homemade Ant Killer

Ants are social insects that live in colonies or groups. They've been on the Earth for a hundred million years and thrive in most environments. There are over 20,000 species of ants; they are often referred to as the earth's most successful species. Ants play a vital role in our ecosystem as tiny scavengers. They clean the earth by eating dead leaves, insects and mammals. Ants can become a nuisance, though, if they find their way inside your home. If you're having problems with ants and don't want to use harmful chemicals, consider using baking soda. It's an effective way to get rid of ants without using dangerous pesticides.

Things You'll Need

Baking soda
Sugar
Vinegar
Water
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Make a sweet ant bait trap to kill the ants. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar in a container and place it where you have seen ant activity. Ants have a very acidic digestive system and once the baking soda mixes with the acid it will generate a large amount of carbon dioxide. This will cause the ants' stomachs to burst, which kills the ants.
- 2
  Remove ant trails. Ants leave a scented trail for each other so they can easily find their way back to a food source. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wash away these trails. It will confuse them and they will not be able to find their way back to their food source.
- 3
  Destroy the ant nest outside your home. In order to get rid of a true infestation you must destroy the nest. Find and follow the ant trails in your home to the outside source. Dampen the nest with water and then pour a cup of vinegar on the mound. This is a lethal combination for ants.
- 4
  Prevent ants from coming into your house. Wipe up spills as they happen. Don't leave dirty dishes in your sink, and sweep and mop your floors regularly. Make sure your food is stored in tightly covered containers. Seal any cracks or crevices in your home with caulk to eliminate entry points. Planting mint around the entrances of your home is another way to deter ants. They don't like the pungent smell and will stay away.

Insects & Science