How can I get rid of little ants in my home? I have a child and do not want to use poison.?

Question

I am not able to track where they are coming in from. Our living space is upstairs and that is where they are.

Answer 1

You should try using ant bait stations. The ones that have two different baits in them. These really are effective. The baits are sweet on one side and more of a protein on the other. The purpose is that the ants needs change with the seasons. Combat is a good brand choice. Just place them in the areas you generally see the ants. Let the ants go inside the bait station and they will take the bait back to the queen and no more ants! These are great for around the house and kids because there's no contact with the poison and the bait doesn't fall out of the container. One last thing try not to kill the ants after you put out the bait stations out.They need to carry the bait back to the colony in order for this to work. Keep an eye on the bait stations. They're transparent and you'll actually see the bait disappearing. If not try moving it near another bait station that is being used.

Answer 2

Buy some 20 Mule Team Borax laundry soap, put it in one of the cheap ketchup squeeze bottles that you can pick up at any dollar store, you may have to snip a bit of the tip off of the ketchup bottle, put the dry laundry soap in the bottle and apply along baseboards, kitchen cabinets and under vanities and sinks where the plumbing comes in, you can also open windows and apply it in the window seals....leave it down for a few days or until you no longer see any signs of the ants, they will carry it back to their nest and it will kill them. Vacuum up the excess laundry soap when you no longer see any signs of the ants, and do laundry with the ramining soap....I have used this remedy for years and my grandmother also used it. I don't think you will have any problems with the child, they will only take one taste, but most kind will recogonize that it is not good if they are old enough.

Answer 3

Make a solution of SUGAR and WATER (try 2 cups) so it's very sweet, then add 2 TB BORIC ACID and stir well. Take a jar and lid and punch a few holes so the ants can get in. Dip several COTTON BALLS in the solution, put them in the jar, and put the lid on. This is supposed to kill them in the colony. You will find dead ants around the jar, too.
Try a natural store like "Whole Foods" for natural insectiside. I think something like cedar oil works too.

Answer 4

I used to run a yoga studio. For different reasons but like you, I tried not to use poison and chemical.

I wipe white vinegar along all the baseboards and window sills where ants might come in. It works really well to keep ants away.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

The best thing I have found that kills the ants but won't harm animals or plants is grits. Sprinkle some where you see them they will take it back to the mound. The ants eat the grits which dehydrate them and kill them. It can take up to a week to get rid of the whole ant farm but it is the safest way to rid yourself of the ants.

Answer 6

There is a Raid product that my fiance got at walmart (and at target) this summer when ants got bad. i cannot remember the exact name but it is a Raid brand gel that we made a trail of across the lining of the counter and when the ants eat it..they take it back to the colony and it kills the other ants too.....it works extremely well and fast, and they didnt come back. hope it helps.

Answer 7

you can goto home depot or otherwise walmart and buy the little cubes, they come 4 to a pack. put them in corners and under sinks or generally area's where the ants are. They are non-lethal to children as long as they dont swallow them. If this doesnt work, try "Victor 17.5 Oz. Poison-Free® Ant/Roach Killer " search for it on homedepot.com its non-poison and kid safe.

Answer 8

Lots of my indian friends swear that turmeric spice is a useful ant repellant when sprinkled on the ground.

Answer 9

Buy an anteater.

Answer 10

try mean green or hot water