By using green ant control methods, you will be able to avoid the use of harsh chemicals that may be harmful to people, animals, and the environment. Ants can be difficult to eradicate due to their sheer numbers. One colony can contain thousands of ants, and killing them all can be difficult. The fear of the battle is what sends most people running for the ant control products at their local store.
A decision will need to be made as to whether you prefer to actually kill the ants, or merely wish to keep them from entering your home. If you would prefer not to kill them, then you will need to consider organic items that can be used to create a barrier. White chalk, which can be purchased at many dollar stores, can be used to create such a barrier. Vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and baby powder can also be used to create barriers. Apply the item you choose to any area in which you see a trail of ants making their way into your home.
Should you wish to kill them, you can create your own poison using borax, table sugar, and some sticky food such as jelly. Mix these three together and place the mixture in the areas where you see ants. The draw of the sugar will prove too strong for the ants to resist, and when they consume the sugar, they will also be consuming the borax which is toxic to them. Exercise caution when using this mixture in the home, as it may prove equally tempting to pets and children.
Organic or "green" ant control should also consist of sealing off cracks or other areas in which ants may enter the home. Caulk can be used to seal some of these areas. Some consideration should also be given to how you store your food. Ants typically will not enter your home for no reason. They do so in search of food and water, especially on hot summer days. Should they find any food or drink, this discovery is made known to other ants who will also come in to feed and take food back to the colony. For this reason, all food should be well sealed. Leaky faucets should be repaired and wet, damp clothing should not be allowed to pile up, even in a hamper. Ants love these places!
In outdoor areas, you may wish to simply leave them alone so long as colonies are not located in areas in which children play. Barriers can be created around anthills, or you may choose to use the killing method mentioned above should you wish to completely eradicate the colony. When used on a consistent basis, organic ant control can be just as successful as using chemical based products.
