Invasion of ants in homes is a common and bigger problem faced by homeowners. However, the real challenge lies in discovering the ways to get rid of ants. There are many store-bought and homemade solutions to prevent their entry. WD-40 is one such common household lubricant that can be considered as an option to kill ants. This blog highlights different ways of using WD-40 to kill ants and its safety features.
Understand Ants' Behavior and Apply Wd-40 on Them
The primary thing to explore is the reason for the ants’ invasion. Some of the common reasons that ants enter homes and gardens are easy sources of food and water. It means kitchen, yards, and garden can be their favorite areas because the kitchen gives them crumbs and spills, and the garden and yard give them moist surroundings due to standing water. All these provide ants with a perfect breeding ground.
Ants also enter homes through windowsills, doorframes, cracks, and crevices in walls and foundations. The best strategy to deter ants is to spray WD-40 near the entry points. However, be cautious in spraying WD-40 when kids and pets are around or in places where food is prepared or stored.
As a homeowner, you need to have an eye for detail because some thief ants hide in soil, under the rocks, or near the plants. In such cases, you should spray a generous amount of WD-40 to disrupt ant trails. This will discourage ants from revisiting these areas.
Can WD-40 Kill Ants?
Yes, it can kill ants. Though WD-40 is mainly used as a lubricant, moisture displacer, and rust preventative, it can kill ants when sprayed directly on them. The spiracles (openings through which ants breathe) get blocked and suffocate ants when spraying chemicals, and also damage the nervous system of ants.
| Notes | Try using products specifically meant to control ants for better effectiveness. |
Tips to Use Wd-40 Safely in Homes
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Use the chemical safely, especially when kids and pets are at home.
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Use vinegar, essential oils like lemon eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, or tea tree oil, if WD-40 smells strong.
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The best way to use the above oil and vinegar is to spray them in a spray bottle around the entry points or wherever you can see ants.
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If the problem still exists, seek the help of a professional because they can help identify the ant's variant and suggest a specific solution.
| Notes | Some ants, like carpenter ants, cause structural damage to homes. In such cases, professional intervention is highly recommended as it helps prevent any problems in the future. |
Other Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Apart from using the chemical, there are also alternative ways to prevent the entry of ants into homes. Here are some of the methods:
Mop the Floor: Mop the floor once a day to remove pheromone trails of ants, food, and crumbs lying on the floor.
Soap and Water Mixture: It’s a cost-effective and easy way to get rid of ants. Add equal portions of water and dish soap, pour it into a spray bottle, and spray directly on ants. The soap breaks down their exoskeletons, resulting in death.
Diatomaceous Earth: It’s a natural way to kill ants and is also safe to use with kids and pets around. All you have to do is sprinkle it around the perimeter of the house and inside the home where ants are detected.
| Some Tips | Don’t make Diatomaceous earth wet, else it won’t be effective. |
Vinegar and Water Mixture: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour into a spray bottle, and spray on countertops and windowsill.
Chalk: A simple chalk is an effective way to control ants' entry. Draw lines using the blackboard or sidewalk chalk along the entries to repel ants because calcium carbonate present in chalk helps repel ants.
Boiling Water: Pour boiling water over the fire ants to kill them. To pour boiling water over the anthill, flip the pot upside down over the anthill and pour water through the hole.
Citrus Treatment: Another natural way to get rid of ants is citrus treatment. Simply, pour lemon juice on the windowsill and along the doors. If you identify the anthill, squeeze lemon juice into the holes.
Adjust Watering Schedule in the Garden: This can help prevent excess moisture by giving time to the plants to dry.
Conclusion
Though WD-40 is not meant specifically to kill ants, it can be used to kill ants effectively. You should consider certain precautions when using this chemical because it could be fatal for kids and pets. However, apart from WD-40, there are other options too to repel or kill ants, which are discussed in this blog.