I just got home from an extended weekend trip. The cats we love are usually fed indoors, but since we were gone, they were fed outdoors by a neighbor. Upon returning home, we found an infestation of ants in their food bowl and in the sealed plastic container where their food was stored in our shed!
In our part of the country these nasty things bite! These are not fire ants that have an even worse bite! But, they are difficult to kill. They had invaded the food bowl and I couldn’t even move it.
Being in my green mood, I googled, “natural homemade ant killers” and decided to find a natural way to deal with my ant problem. (Click link to see the ideas.)
Here’s a review of the natural homemade ant killers I tried.
Vinegar mixed 2 parts to 1 part water sprayed on ants. I feel good that this is also non-toxic, safe for environment, and probably safe for cats. I’m not sure the effect it will have on the plants. Results: It killed on contact, but they kept coming.
Windex sprayed on ants. First of all, I don’t usually have this, but my mother in law had visited and not understanding that we use non-toxic cleaners for window cleaner, she ran out and bought some. I haven’t known what to do with it, so when I saw this suggestion to try as ant killer, I thought I’d compare. Results: Strong ammonia odor. Killed on contact, but again the ants kept marching on toward the food bowl. Not so sure this was a good idea and I’m having second thoughts about spraying this outside. Sure ammonia is natural, but everything natural isn’t always safe.
Water hose with power attachment. Now this is the most natural and non-toxic way to deal with my ants and it was the suggestion of my wise teen daughter. “Mom, I just spray the ants and food out of the bowl with the hose and spray it into the grass.” Duh! Why didn’t I think of that. Results: I annihilated the ants and the food. I was able to pick up the bowl and remove the source of their attraction. Problem: Only that now, I had ammonia and water all over my patio and guess who wants to play in it and drink it? You guessed right if you said the cats. So that confirms it for me. It’s not more effective to use the Windex, so I’m better off with a power shot of water from the hose.
So now my immediate problem is solved, next I’ll need to try the baking soda to see if that keeps them away from my back porch.
If you have any ideas on how to tackle ants without poison, please add a comment so we can all learn.
