Ants on the march? 5 things you'll need to keep them out of your home
It's great to see the nature's denizens venture back out into the world in the spring – but, in the case of unwanted bugs, we just prefer they do it somewhere other than inside our houses.
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Egor Kamelev/Pexels
Humans aren’t the only ones getting out and stretching their legs come spring. Every kind of insect is out and about at this point, including ants, the bane of picnics and kitchens everywhere. There are home remedies for keeping them out of your home, such as white vinegar, but for something with a bit more oomph, here are five products we’d recommend to help you get ahead of these formic interlopers this season.
TERRO Ant Killer Liquid Baits
Amazon.ca
If you haven’t been able to keep the little creatures out of your house altogether, traps are a good option. Of the options available, this one jumped out at us – the slow-acting borax-based poison is designed to attract as many to the site as possible before kicking in, maximizing the amount that are killed.
What else we liked:
Design keeps the liquid bait from drying out for longer, without coming into contact with your hands
Includes six bait stations
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.ca, based on almost 4,000 reviews
Last Crawl Diatomaceous Earth
Amazon.ca
You might not have heard of this method, and it certainly sounds like a mouthful – diatomaceous earth is rich in ground-up prehistoric fossilized algae, called diatoms. Though microscopic to humans, these diatoms have a serious impact on tiny insects’ respiratory systems, without the use of chemical agents that could be harmful to larger creatures or plants.
What else we liked:
Non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides or oils
Can be used both indoors or outdoors
Rated 4.3 out of 5 by users who purchased it on Amazon.ca, based on around 200 reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Ortho Ant B Gone Max
Canadian Tire
Prevention is all very well and good, but if a few have already made it inside, you’ll need a good spray on hand. There are a few out there, but of the ones we looked at, this one from Ortho was among the most popular. It’s available from Amazon, but you can get it online from Canadian Tire at a considerably cheaper price, which we recommend.
What else we liked:
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
For best results, use on ant trails, ant nests, door and window frames, baseboards and storage areas
Well-reviewed by users who bought it from Canadian Tire, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating
MORE: 5 all-natural products to keep ticks at bay
PinPine Peppermint Essential Oil
Etsy.ca
Like most bugs, ants aren’t fans of essential oils, and many insect-repellent products rely on them as their active ingredient. When shopping around, we liked this peppermint-based variety best. When mixed with water and used in a cotton ball, placing it around entry points to your home can keep the intruders out. Keep in mind, however, that some oils can be harmful to pets and young children, so if you’ve either in the house, it would be best to look for other solutions.
What else we liked:
Made-in-Canada by Toronto-based PinPineNaturals
Can also be used in diffusers, DIY air fresheners, perfumes and beauty products
Seller has a 5-star rating on Etsy.ca
ORTHO Ant B Gon MAX Ant Killer Granules
Home Hardware
We’ve covered prevention and spot-treatment, but if you know where the ants are coming from, why not hit them at the source? Granules, like these from ORTHO, placed around an anthill will be carried into the colony by the insects themselves, killing them both above and below ground. They can also be sprinkled around some areas as a kind of perimeter protection. Be sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid damage to your lawn or danger to pets and children.
What else we liked:
Kills most kinds of ants
Ideal for use around homes and outdoor structures such as decks, patios, pathways and driveways
Rated 4.4 out of 5 among users who purchased it from Home Hardware
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Egor Kamelev/Pexels
