Are you wondering how to get rid of ants in apartment? Ants are a common household pest, but they can be especially difficult to take care of when living in an apartment. If left unchecked, their population can quickly grow out of hand - making your space entirely uncomfortable.
Fortunately, there are several practical and effective ways to control ants within the confines of your apartment! Keep reading on to learn how you can get rid of those pesky little intruders for good.
How do ants get inside?
1. Through cracks and gaps:
Ants can easily enter apartments through cracks, gaps, and other small openings in the building structure. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida, ants can enter through openings as small as 1 millimeter. This means that even small cracks and gaps in your walls, doors, and windows can serve as entry points for ants.
2. Through electrical and plumbing openings:
Ants can also enter apartments through electrical and plumbing openings. They can use these openings as a gateway to move from one apartment to another or to access food sources. A study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University found that ants frequently use electrical and plumbing openings to enter buildings.
3. Through infested items:
Ants can also enter apartments through infested items such as potted plants, flowers, and other outdoor items. For example, the Argentine ant, which is one of the most common ant species found in apartments, is known to infest potted plants and can easily be brought indoors with these items.
4. Through open windows and doors:
Another common way for ants to enter apartments is through open windows and doors. Ants can easily detect sources of food and will quickly make their way into your apartment if they sense an opportunity. This is particularly true during warmer months when windows and doors are often left open for ventilation.
5 Household Ant Types To Watch Out For
There are 5 household ant types to be aware of, as ants are organized pests that tend to follow each other. Knowing which type you have can help you assess the problem's severity and find a solution.
Carpenter ants: Large and reddish-brown to black, they nest in decaying wood and can weaken your home structurally.
Odorous house ants: Also called sugar ants, they're small and brown/black, and tend to infest kitchens looking for sweet crumbs.
Argentine ants: These adaptable ants don't cause structural damage, but they can contaminate your food and spread quickly.
Little black ants: They live outside but may nest in protected areas like carpets or baseboards when inside. They don't harm humans but can be a nuisance.
Pavement ants: Attracted to moisture, they're commonly found in pavement cracks and can contaminate any food left out.
DIY methods to get rid of ants in your apartment
If you want to eliminate ants from your apartment without involving your landlord, there are several DIY techniques you can use, ranging from thorough cleaning to using essential oils. Below are six methods you can try:
1. Conduct a deep cleaning:
Ants are often attracted to food residue, spills, and crumbs. To discourage their presence, you must maintain a consistently clean apartment. Start by wiping your countertops, disposing of your trash, and mopping your floors. It's worth noting that ants leave a scent trail, so removing these trails can help prevent further ant infestations.
2. Secure your apartment:
Apart from cleaning, securing your apartment is crucial in getting rid of ants. As they can easily slip through cracks, make sure your windows seal properly and keep your food in sealed containers. If you suspect ants are entering through your windows, try reinforcing them with sealing tape. In most cases, poor exterior drainage is the main cause of ant infestations. If you can identify an entry point, using ant bait can help eliminate the problem.
3. Use lemon juice on affected areas
Lemons are a versatile fruit that can help eliminate ants and stains. Lemon juice is a natural repellent for ants and can disrupt their scent trails. Start by squeezing the juice from a few lemons into a spray bottle and spraying it in areas where ants might have entered, such as around the baseboards, window lining, doors, and any holes or gaps in the walls. Lemon juice not only works great for ants but can also help with other household pests.
4. Try vinegar solution
Another effective DIY method for getting rid of ants is to use a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on any areas where ants have been spotted, including windowsills, countertops, and baseboards. The vinegar's strong odor can help repel ants and remove their scent trails, discouraging further ant activity.
5. Use borax bait
Borax is a common household item that can help eliminate ant colonies. Mix borax with sugar and water to make a sweet bait that ants will be attracted to. The sugar will lure the ants, and the borax will poison them. Place the bait in areas where ants have been spotted and allow them to take it back to their nest. Over time, the borax will spread throughout the colony and eliminate it.
6. Use cinnamon powder
Cinnamon powder is a natural ant repellent that can help keep ants away. Sprinkle cinnamon powder along windowsills, doorways, and any areas where ants might be entering your apartment. Cinnamon also has a pleasant scent and can leave your apartment smelling great.
7. Use Baby powder and chalk paint
For a temporary remedy, you could experiment with baby powder or chalk paint. While they won't completely get rid of the ant issue, they can provide a quick fix. Simply apply the powder in the entryways or draw chalk lines as ants tend to avoid crossing them.
