In a time when we have access to so many pesticides and insect killers, it can be hard to believe that there are any effective ways to kill ants with household items. Your average kitchen has plenty of resources to get rid of the little pests. All you have to do is learn what they are and how you can concoct your homemade ant killer.

If you want to avoid using toxic chemicals for ant control in your Singapore home, try one of these 5 ways to kill ants with household items.

Related: 5 Most Common Ant Species in Singapore

Ways that you can kill and deter ants

There are lots of natural methods of eliminating ants in your home. But most of them only deter them, not kill them. To kill ants once and for all, these homemade remedies can help.

Vinegar and water

Believe it or not, the blend of vinegar and water can kill those annoying ants. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray ants directly with the solution then wipe with a wet paper towel to dispose of them.

Boiling water

If it’s a way of eradicating ants residing outside your home, the boiling water is proven effective. Look for ant hills in your yard. When you see them, boil water in a pot or kettle and pour them into the ant holes. The hot water can quickly kill ants upon contact.

Tea tree oil

Killing ants indoors is possible using tea tree oil. To create the spray solution, add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix thoroughly. Spray directly to ants to kill them or wet cotton balls with the concoction to place around your home as an ant repellent.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

This powder is lethal to ants because of its razor-sharp edges that can cut through the exoskeletons of the ants. It can kill them slowly by exposing their bodies to the elements, drying them out in the process. One of the proven ways to kill ants, diatomaceous earth is easy to use.

Scatter a thin layer of the powder under cabinets, beneath the fridge, and any other surfaces where you see ants. Repeat application daily until all ants are removed.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a scientifically proven ingredient for pest control. While it is not deadly to humans and pets, it is poison to all types of ants. It destroys their digestive system and eventually kills them.

If you’re looking at how to get rid of ants permanently, boric acid is the answer.

To use boric acid for ant control, mix a half teaspoon of boric acid, one cup water, and 8 teaspoons sugar in a container. When completely dissolved, wet cotton balls with the mixture and put them in places where you see ants. Once ingested by ants, it will kill them in as fast as 24 hours.

Related: How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently (Yes, Forever)

When to Call the Pros

If you’ve tried all the natural methods and the small number of ants turn into an army, you now have an ant infestation to deal with. It’s time to call in the experts that follows the NEA pest control guidelines to take care of the problem for you. Call +65 6970 0205 asap!