Ants may seem harmless, but when they invade your home, they can contaminate food, leave sticky trails, and become a constant problem. Below, we present 5 practical tips for combating an ant infestation, and at the end, we explain why, in many cases, hiring professionals like Lluita Integral is the best solution.
1. Locate the entry point and seal cracks
Before applying any treatment, it is essential to identify where the ants are entering: cracks in walls, door frames, windows, floor joints. Use silicone, caulk, or weatherstripping to seal these access points. This step prevents new ants from entering your home.
2. Maintain extreme cleanliness
Without accessible food, the infestation loses strength. Clean up crumbs, sugar residue, food scraps, and spilled drinks immediately. Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes. Constant cleaning reduces the attractiveness of the environment to ants.
3. Use borax or boric acid baits
An effective technique is to prepare baits with sugar (or honey) mixed with borax or boric acid diluted in water. Place small portions in bottle caps near the ants’ trails. They will carry this bait back to the nest, eliminating the colony at its source. However, keep these baits out of the reach of children and pets. According to specialized sources, borax in baits acts when the insects carry it to the nest, thus affecting the queen.
4. Use diluted vinegar to clean ant trails
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply to ant trails, door frames, baseboards, and frequently traveled areas. Vinegar helps eliminate the pheromones they use as a guide, making it difficult for other ants to find their way.
5. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine, non-toxic powder that acts mechanically: it dehydrates the insects’ exoskeleton on contact. Sprinkle it in cracks, under appliances, and in walkways. It’s safe for humans and pets if it’s an indoor product.
It’s always best to consult a professional.
These 5 tips can help control small infestations, but an advanced infestation is difficult to completely eradicate on your own. Hiring professionals is the only valid solution. At Lluita Integral, we have years of experience in Girona, comprehensive services, and certified technicians. By trusting us, you are assured of a definitive and risk-free result.
If you would like us to review your specific case or provide a quote for an intervention, we will be happy to help you.