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Words: 433 Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Ants are pests in house. In home common ants aren't harmful but they are a nuisance.
There are many natural repellants which can be used to discourage ants from kitchen counters, pantries, and other areas where food lures them in.
As a first step try to prevent ants from entering house.
Use less chemical fertilizers and pesticides in lawn and gardens. These cause an imbalance in biological makeup of soil. Stressed soil and plants attract ants.
Many species of ants like to drink honeydew from aphids. If good control of aphids in plants and gardens near houses is exercised, ants will be less numerous. Ants seem to dislike spearmint, tansy, and pennyroyal. Plant these near house to keep ants away. Sweet fern is particularly dislike by red ants.
A simple recipe to repel ants can be made by adding to an eight ounce bottle of mild liquid soap one ounce each of citronella, pennyroyal, peppermint, cinnamon, rose and tea oil. Mix together and add three tablespoons to two cups of water. Spray where ants are entering house. This formula can be used to wash down counters in kitchen but only use one-half tablespoon to two cups of water.
