How to get rid of an infestation of red ants

Red ants’ impact on health and hygiene

Red ants are known bearers of viruses, bacteria, and dangerous pathogens, and they can often be seen foraging for food near filthy sources. Red ants can spread pathogens in our food and consume disease-causing bacteria.

See also: How to get rid of ants permanently and take care of an ant infestation?

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Since they move in large numbers, they can contaminate exposed or unprotected food lying in our homes more efficiently than any other type of insect. They can act as a breeding ground for pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, and others.

How can you be sure of a red ant infestation?

You may notice small piles of soil outside your home, which could be the entrance to an ant nest. Keep an eye on the hole for ant activity, but avoid disturbing it to avoid enraging these stinging pests.

Red ants can eat on your indoor plants, so if other typical houseplant pests are ruled out, damage to leaves or stems, particularly in young plants, could signify an infestation.

How to get rid of red ants: 6 Simple tips

• In a spray bottle, make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Then, go around your house and spray the solution directly on the insects for an instant kill. This can also be used to keep ants out of your house. Simply spray it all over your house, paying special attention to any areas where you suspect ants are entering.
• To get rid of the red ants, you can use cinnamon. They are effectively choked by the cinnamon. You can either sprinkle it on the ants directly or inside the anthill opening. Cinnamon oil mixed with a little water can also be used. Spray it all over the house and any potential entry points.
• Lemon juice is another effective home remedy for ant control. It is just as effective as vinegar because its properties are similar. In a 1:3 ratio, combine the lemon juice and water. Then, as is customary, spray away. Make certain that you cover the inside and outside of the house. 
• If you don’t have cinnamon powder, try black pepper powder, which is just as effective. It can either be placed at the entry points to act as a barrier and keep the red ants out, or you can spray your entire house from top to bottom.
• Mint is a plant with a pungent smell that serves as a natural insect repellent. Spray mint extract or essential oil (diluted with water) in and around your home. Perform it at least once a day. Plant mint around your house for a more permanent solution. You can even keep mint plants in one of those small kitchen mini gardens.
• The fragrance of any location has a significant impact on ant infestation. Certain scents can effectively drive them away from a surface. As a result, you can spray some potent scents, such as eucalyptus or peppermint.

Commercial repellants and exterminators

If homemade or natural repellents have failed to eliminate or kill red ants, consider using a commercially manufactured repellent or bug spray to eliminate your ant problem. There are several non-toxic chemical sprays on the market, such as Raid on Amazon, but they should always be used with extreme caution and according to the product instructions because they can be harmful when used in homes with young children, individuals who have breathing issues like asthma, or pets. You can also have professionals or exterminators take care of the infestation.

How to prevent red ants

To prevent red ants, you should remove food, entry points, and shelter to avert them from making a home in your home.

Store food in sealed containers, properly dispose of food waste and clean up spills immediately. Using smart cleaning tips will assist you in staying on top of household cleaning in order to avoid insect infestations. If at all possible, simply avoid dishes by the sink or on the counter overnight.

Finally, remove easy shelters like firewood on the ground and tree roots, and regularly tidy up and disinfect your garden ideas areas to remove dirt that may serve as ideal protection from the elements for red ants.

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