Ants are one of the most common household pests that can cause a nuisance or even pose a threat to your family’s health. Some species of ants can bite, sting, or even transmit diseases.

Therefore, it’s essential to get rid of ants safely, especially if you have kids around. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of ants safely for your kids.

1. Keep Your House Clean and Tidy

The first step to get rid of ants safely is to keep your house clean and tidy. Ants are attracted to crumbs, spills, or any leftover food, so it’s crucial to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.

You should also wipe down your countertops, stove, and kitchen sink regularly with soap and water. Don’t forget to sweep or vacuum your floors and carpets regularly as well. This will reduce the ant’s food sources and make your house less inviting to them.

2. Seal Any Cracks or Holes

Ants can enter your house through tiny cracks or holes. Therefore, it’s essential to seal any cracks or holes in your walls, window frames, and doors. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal any cracks or gaps.

Additionally, you should check your pipes and electrical wiring for any gaps or holes. Seal them with expanding foam or caulk to make it difficult for ants to enter your house.

3. Use Ant Repellents

There are various ant repellents available in the market that can help you get rid of ants safely. Some of them are natural, and some of them contain chemicals. You can use a mixture of water and vinegar to repel ants naturally.

Spray the solution wherever you see ants, such as countertops, floors, or cabinets. Ants hate the smell of vinegar and will avoid it. You can also use essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus to repel ants. Ants find these smells overwhelming and will avoid them.

4. Try Ant Baits

If you have a severe ant infestation, you may need to use ant baits. Ant baits work by attracting ants with sweet or protein-based bait. Once the ants eat the bait, they carry it back to their nest, where it kills the rest of the colony.

Ant baits are safer than chemical sprays as they are contained and won’t harm your kids. However, you should still keep the baits out of reach of your kids.

5. Remove Any Standing Water

Ants need water to survive, so it’s essential to remove any standing water around your house. Check for any leaks in your pipes or faucets and fix them.

Don’t leave pet water bowls or plant trays filled with water outside as they can attract ants. Additionally, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris as clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation, which can attract ants.

6. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

If you have tried all the above methods and still have a severe ant infestation, you may need to hire a professional pest control company.

A pest control company can provide a comprehensive treatment plan that involves using safe and effective methods to get rid of ants. They have the expertise and equipment to locate and eliminate the ant’s nest, which is essential to prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Ants can cause a nuisance and even pose a threat to your family’s health. Therefore, it’s crucial to get rid of them safely, especially if you have kids around.

Keeping your house clean and tidy, sealing any cracks or holes, using ant repellents or baits, removing any standing water, and hiring a professional pest control company are some of the ways to get rid of ants safely. By following these tips, you can keep your house ant-free and safeguard your family’s health.