Ants can cause many problems when they nest in or around a house. Carpenter ants are especially destructive, which is why it is vital to invest in effective carpenter ant control.

Unfortunately, carpenter ants are active year-round throughout Canada. Therefore, if you notice any ant activity, there is no hoping that winter will resolve the problem. However, as a home or business owner, you are not without options. There are at least five potential solutions for helping to curb ant populations around your home or eliminate infestations within it.

1. Flour or Chalk

Flour and chalk act as natural ant repellents. Calcium carbonate is the natural compound found in chalk. Calcium carbonate masks the scent trail of ants. Drawing lines around entry points to your home or sprinkling crushed chalk in your garden and around your home can eliminate scent trails and keep ants away from your house.

Similarly, flour can mask scent trails. Additionally, flour is a natural ant repellent. Therefore, placing flour around your home can deter ants, eliminating potential infestations. However, be aware that some ants might be attracted to flour, so it is best to know what ant species you are dealing with before resorting to DIY methods.

2. Lemons

Lemons are an effective and humane way to deter ants and prevent infestations. Lemon juice will not kill the ants, but the smell and acid can cover the smell of odour trails, meaning the next group of ants cannot follow old scent trails. Additionally, the citrus smell discourages new ants from laying another trail.

You can apply lemon juice everywhere you can place chalk or flour — entries, windows, etc. You can also scatter lemon peels and slices outside in garden beds. Spreading lemon slices around the outside of your home and mopping your floors with a mix of lemon juice and water can also help prevent other pests like fleas and roaches.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is another common household item that can interfere with pheromone trails and deter ants. Ants cannot stand the smell of vinegar and will do everything they can to avoid it.

To use vinegar, you want to mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray anthills around your property and anywhere else you notice the insects crawling around. The vinegar mix will be enough to make the insects find a new home with any luck.

4. Storage Containers

One of the main problems in houses with ant infestations is proper food storage. Ants find sweets and other foods too tempting to pass up. If you want to avoid current or future infestations, invest in some adequate food storage.

Instead of storing cereal, sugar, potato chips, and other food in the bags and boxes it comes in, transfer it to an airtight container once opened. The more sophisticated the seal, the better the chances of hiding the scent and eliminating access. If you can afford vacuum seal containers, even better. Vacuum seal products provide airtight closures, which prevent a permeating odour and keep food fresher.

5. Professional Ant Removal Services

While the above DIY solutions are excellent preventatives, when you already have an infestation, you likely need more help. While you can look for solutions at big-box chains, many potential risks come with such options. When you are facing an insect infestation, it is better to rely on the expertise of pest control professionals.

Do you have a carpenter ant problem? If so, what are you waiting for? Contact Truly Nolen, one of Canada’s leading pest control services, and schedule a property assessment. The company will send a licensed professional to inspect your property and provide options to resolve the problem.