Home Remedies for Ants Vs Professional Pest Control

Ants are notorious for invading even the cleanest homes. And when they do, homeowners often scramble to find solutions to get rid of them. Some people try home remedies to solve the problem, while others choose professional pest control services. 

Home remedies can provide fast relief for small infestations. Common household items, such as vinegar, cinnamon, and coffee grounds, can block ant trails. They create temporary barriers that confuse ants.

However, professional pest control services provide comprehensive solutions that address the root cause of infestations. At Suburban Exterminating, our skilled technicians spot ant species, locate their nests, and use targeted treatments to wipe out colonies. Click here to dig deeper into how home remedies stack up against the perks of hiring professionals for ant control.

Risks of Home Ant Control Remedies

Many DIY solutions only address visible ants, leaving the colony intact and allowing the problem to resurface. Using store-bought pesticides improperly can endanger your family and pets. This risk increases when they are applied incorrectly or in large amounts. Misidentifying ant species can also lead to poor treatment strategies. What works for sugar ants may prove useless against carpenter ants.

Listen to Learn More About Ant DIY

Popular Home Remedies for Ants

When it comes to dealing with ants, there are quite a few popular home remedies that people like to try. Here are some of the most common:

• Ant Sprays: Store-bought sprays can eliminate ants on contact. However, they also contain chemicals that you may prefer to avoid around food and pets.
• Ant Traps: Ant bait traps work by attracting worker ants who then carry the poison back to their colony.
• Vinegar Spray: Vinegar is touted as a natural ant repellent due to its strong odor and acidic properties. Spraying vinegar in areas where ants are present may deter them from returning.
• Baby Powder: The talcum powder in baby powder is believed to interfere with ants’ ability to navigate, causing them to avoid areas where it’s applied.
• Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds create a barrier that ants prefer not to cross. Just sprinkle dried grounds around entry points, windowsills, and areas where you’ve spotted ant trails.

Natural Deterrents

• Mint Leaves: Some homeowners believe that the scent of mint leaves acts as a natural deterrent for ants, causing them to avoid areas where mint is present.
• Bay Leaves: The pungent aroma of bay leaves is said to repel ants. Placing bay leaves in ant-prone areas or along entry points may discourage ants from entering the home.
• Lemon & Water: A mixture of lemon juice and water is thought to disrupt ants’ scent trails, making it harder for them to communicate and navigate.
• Cayenne Pepper: The spicy nature of cayenne pepper is thought to deter ants. Sprinkling cayenne pepper around entry points or ant trails may discourage them from entering.
• Cinnamon: Similar to coffee grounds, cinnamon disrupts ant pheromone trails and discourages them from entering certain areas.

These home remedies can give quick relief, but they usually don’t tackle the root cause of the ant problem. So, they may not work for the long term.

Benefits of Opting for Professional Ant Control

On the other hand, professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions tailored to effectively eliminate ant infestations. Here are a few other benefits you stand to gain:

• Expertise: Pest control professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify the type of ant species infesting your home and implement targeted treatment methods.
• Customized Solutions: Professional pest control companies develop customized treatment plans based on the severity of the infestation, the type of ant species present, and the layout of your home.
• Long-term Results: Unlike home remedies that may only provide temporary relief, professional pest control services are designed to deliver long-term solutions by targeting ant colonies at their source.
• Safety: Pest control professionals use safe and EPA-approved products to eliminate ants while minimizing risks to humans, pets, and the environment.
• Ongoing Protection: Many professional pest control companies offer guarantees on their services, providing peace of mind knowing that if the ant problem persists, they will return to address it at no additional cost.

Dealing With Ants? Suburban Exterminating Can Help! 

If you have an ant problem at home, you should team up with Suburban Exterminating for lasting solutions. With our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’ll help you rid your home of ants. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a pest-free home.

FAQs

Are there ants that are more likely to respond to home remedies?

Certain ant species common to Suffolk County & Nassau County respond better to DIY treatments than others. Sugar and pavement ants often react well to bait traps and natural deterrents. They primarily seek sweet substances and are less aggressive in their patterns.

Which ants require a professional? 

Some ant species in Suffolk County & Nassau County need professional help. They can be aggressive, grow large colonies, or cause property damage. 

Carpenter ants (which cause structural damage similar to termites) require expert treatment to locate and eliminate satellite colonies hidden within walls. These ants don’t respond well to surface treatments or bait stations. Fire ants, though less common in Suffolk County & Nassau County, pose health risks with their painful stings and should always be handled by professionals.

Additionally, pharaoh ants (tiny yellow ants often found in hospitals and apartment buildings) can split into multiple colonies when threatened.

Which is faster: professional ant control or home remedies?

When it comes to speed and effectiveness, professional ant control typically delivers results faster than home remedies. While immediately accessible, home remedies often require weeks of consistent application to show some results.