Ants are tiny but mighty pests that can quickly become a nuisance in your home. They can not only cause damage to food but also bother your lovable pets.
While there are several methods available on the market that are reasonably effective for getting rid of ants in your home, they may not be safe to use around pets. Traditional ant control methods often involve harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both pets and humans. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to rid your home of ants without putting your furry friends at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly ant control solutions that are not only effective but also easy to implement.
Types Of Ants That Can Cause Damage In Your Home
Before we move on to solutions, it’s important to understand which types of ants can cause damage to your home.
Some common ants that cause structural damage include carpenter ants, which excavate wood to build their nests. These ants can weaken the wooden structures in your home over time.
Another destructive species is the fire ant, known for its painful stings and aggressive behavior. Fire ants can damage plants and cause discomfort to pets and humans.
Lastly, pharaoh ants are known for contaminating food and spreading diseases, making them a health hazard. Understanding the types of ants that can cause damage will help you choose the most effective control methods for your home.
Also Read: Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants – Which Is Worse For Your Home?
Effective Pet-Friendly Ant Control Methods In 2024
At Jamison Pest and Lawn we make sure to use solutions that are not only effective, but also safe. We mentioned earlier how while most chemical sprays can do the job, but are highly unsafe and cause harm to your pets and children.
Below is a list of solutions that you can implement yourself as a homeowner that will help you rid your home of ants.
Pet-Safe Ant Killer Spray
When we typically discuss ant extermination methods that are safe, you generally would not consider a commercially sold spay as safe or efficient. However, companies like Raid® have become one of America’s most trusted brands when it comes to insect control.
These use natural oils/essential oils instead of using chemicals.
Raid Essentials stands out as a powerful insecticide that harnesses the power of essential oils, offering a plant-based solution to eliminate a variety of household pests. Crafted with a blend of natural ingredients, Raid Essentials is uniquely formulated to effectively eliminate not only ants, but also German roaches and other crawling insects. This eco-friendly approach ensures that your home remains free from pests while minimizing the impact on your pets.
Other Natural Ways To Keep Ants Out
Home-made ant repellents offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical solutions for keeping ants away from your home. Common ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and peppermint oil are known for their ant-repelling properties without causing harm to pets. However, you should note that these substances simply repel ants, and don’t kill them.
Creating a natural ant repellent is simple, as all you need to do is mix equal parts water and vinegar or lemon juice in a spray bottle and apply it to areas prone to ant activity, such as countertops, windowsills, and doorways.
Additionally, you can deter ants from entering your home by placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near entry points. These natural remedies not only help in keeping ants away but also ensure the safety of your pets.
We have covered more of the natural ingredients you can use in our other blog post: How To Get Rid Of Black Ants
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is highly effective at killing ants and other pests. It works by dehydrating the insects, causing them to die. You can usually find it in powder form, and it is white in color.
Though this tops the list when we talk about pet-safe substances, you need to make sure that you use food-grade or food-certified diatomaceous earth and not the type used in swimming pool filters, which can be harmful if ingested.
Simply sprinkle this powder in areas where ants are present, such as along baseboards, behind appliances, and near entry points.
Ant Baits
While sprays made from essential oils are effective, you have to use them quite regularly in order for them to be effective. If you don’t want the continuous hassle of spraying it, ant baits are another good option.
Ant bait stations are an efficient solution for controlling ant infestations without posing a threat to pets. These stations are designed with a slow-acting poison that attracts ants, but is not enticing to your cats or dogs, keeping them safe.
Here is how the majority of the baits work: The ants are enticed by the bait, carry it back to their nest, and inadvertently spread it to the entire colony, eventually leading to the entire colony’s elimination. To maximize effectiveness, it’s crucial to strategically place ant bait stations where ants are active, such as along their trails and near their nests. Place it behind the refrigerator or cabinets so that your pets do not kick them away.
To effectively deal with ant problems, it’s crucial that you follow the instructions provided with the bait station. These instructions are essential for the proper use and effectiveness of the bait station.
Trust Jamison Pest and Lawn To Get Rid Of Ants For You
If you’re tired of ants always finding a way into your home, even after keeping your kitchen clean and using baits and sprays, then it’s time to choose Jamison Pest and Lawn. Our team of experts will provide you with the most effective and efficient ant removal solutions, ensuring a pest-free home for you and your family. Don’t let ants invade your space any longer. Trust us to help you get rid of them for good. Contact us today at (901) 452-1505 to learn more.
