Ants are pesky little critters that can infest your home and yard.
They are known for finding their way into homes, especially in the warmer months. One of the most common places ants invade is in and around your trash cans.
Not only is it an unpleasant sight, but it can also be a health hazard. Ants carry bacteria, which can contaminate your garbage and ultimately find their way into your home.
Keeping ants out of the trash can requires a proactive approach and effort. This article will provide practical tips and tricks to help keep ants out of your trash can and maintain a clean and pest-free home.
From natural deterrents to ways to prevent an infestation, we will cover everything you need to know to protect ants from your trash cans.
Let’s start with some practical steps you can take to keep ants out of your trash cans. These include:
- Eliminate the ant trail.
- Clean your trash cans regularly.
- Use the trash can liners.
- Keep your trash can lid closed.
- Use a sealable container for food waste.
So, without delay, let’s get into this article and see how you can keep ants out of your trash cans.
7 Ways To Keep Ants Out of Trash Cans
Here are some ways that can help to keep ants out of trash cans:
1. Eliminate the Ant Trail
If you see ants in your trash cans, they have likely been leaving a long scent trail for one another to follow.
Follow the ant trail to determine where they are entering your home and how they find your garbage cans before so that you can seal them shut.
Next, use a solution of one part vinegar in three parts water to clean the trail. This will restrict the flow of ants entering your home from the outside.
2. Clean Your Trash Cans Regularly
One of the most effective things you can do to keep ants out of your trash cans is to keep them clean.
Whether they are full or not, trash cans must be emptied daily. If trash cans are empty, the ants’ food supply will be cut off for a few days.
Also, regularly wash out your cans with soap and water to remove any food leftovers that may attract ants
You should also rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry before using them again.
3. Use Trash Can Liners
Another effective way to keep ants out of your trash cans is to use liners.
This will prevent any food or other crumbs from coming into direct contact with the inside of the can.
Be sure to choose a liner thick enough to bear the weight of your trash that fits securely around the rim of the can.
4. Keep Your Trash Can Lid Closed
One simplest yet very effective way to keep ants out of trash cans is to keep the lid closed.
This will prevent ants from getting in and help keep other pests, such as rodents, out of your trash.
If your trash can does not have a lid, consider investing in a new can that does.
5. Use a Sealable Container for Food Waste
If you end up with much food waste, invest in a sealable container specifically for this purpose.
This will keep any odors and attractants sealed away from your trash can, making it less appealing to ants.
Make sure to clean the container regularly to prevent any odors from building up.
6. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth Around Your Trash Can
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring product. It is a fine powder from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.
Sprinkling Diatomaceous earth is safe to use around pets and children, but at the same time is deadly to ants.
Sprinkle a small amount of Diatomaceous earth around the base of your trash can to create a barrier that ants will avoid.
7. Use Ant Repellents
Several commercial ant repellents in the market are specifically designed to keep ants away from your trash cans. These can be in the form of sprays, baits, and granules.
Read the instructions carefully before utilizing any of these products, and choose one safe for pets and children.
If you are not optimistic about using chemical repellents, let’s look at our organic substitutes for this purpose.
6 Natural Solutions To Deter Ants From Your Home & Trash Can Areas
While numerous commercial insecticides are available to keep ants away, these products harm humans, pets, and the environment.
Fortunately, natural ingredients can deter ants without any harmful effects.
Here are six natural ingredients that can help keep ants away:
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent ant repellent due to its strong scent.
Sprinkle cinnamon powder at the entry points and other areas where ants may enter.
You can also soak cotton balls in cinnamon essential oil and place them around the house.
2. Peppermint
The strong fragrance of peppermint oil can repel ants.
Mix a few drops of peppermint oil in water in a spray bottle and spray around the house.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent cleaner and insect repellent due to its strong odor.
Mix equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray on ant trails, windowsills, and other areas where ants may enter.
The acidic nature of vinegar can also damage the ant’s exoskeleton, leading to its demise.
4. Lemon
The strong citrus scent of lemons can repel ants.
Mix the juice of two lemons with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Then spay it around the house.
You can also place lemon peels around the house to deter ants.
5. Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that is used as a pesticide.
Mix one tablespoon of borax with sugar and water to make a bait that ants will carry back to their colony.
This will effectively eliminate the entire colony over time.
6. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have a strong aroma that ants dislike.
Place bay leaves in cabinets, windowsills, and other areas where ants may enter. You can even crush the leaves to release the fragrance.
Using natural ingredients to deter ants is a safe and effective alternative to commercial insecticides.
These natural remedies are inexpensive, easy to use, and better for the environment.
How To Prevent Ant Infestation?
Getting rid of ants is a tedious process. Once you succeed, you must take all the precautionary measures to prevent an infestation in the future.
You can take several steps to prevent an ant infestation from taking hold in your home:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces after meal times. Ants are attracted to food and water sources, so keep your home clean. Remember to clean up any pet food or water spills, too.
- Ants can easily detect even the smallest amount of food, so keeping all food in airtight containers is essential. This includes pet food, which should be kept in sealed containers after each use.
- Ants can enter your home through even minor cracks and crevices, so sealing any potential entry points is essential. This includes gaps around windows, doors and holes in walls and floors.
- Use natural deterrents.
- If you have tried all of these preventative measures and still have an ant infestation, it’s time to call the professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping ants out of your trash cans is essential not only for the sake of cleanliness but also for the health and safety of your family.
The tips above help free your trash cans of ants and other pests.
Remember to clean your can regularly, use liners, keep the lid closed, use a sealable container for food waste, sprinkle Diatomaceous earth around the can, and use ant repellents when necessary.
With a little effort, you can enjoy a pest-free home and yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Warning Signs That Indicate an Ant Infestation in My Home?
Even a few ants in your home often indicate that a bigger issue is developing; indicators of an established, more serious infestation include ant trails, nests, and wood shavings.
How Often Can I Clean and Disinfect My Trash Cans To Prevent Ants From Returning?
You should deep clean your garbage can once a month or more frequently if there is a leak or unpleasant odor.
How To Seal Your House To Avoid an Ant Infestation?
Use caulk or spackle inside to fill spaces where the under-counter plumbing enters the wall, between window frames and walls, and between baseboards and floors.
Fix foundation holes and fractures outside near electrical, plumbing, and cable lines. To seal off gaps around doors and windows, use weather stripping.
