Ants are common pests in both home and garden settings. Not only do they invade our homes and gardens, but they can cause substantial damage to the food industry, as well.
They have become increasingly resistant to pesticides, and they’re also developing resistance to other insecticides. It’s estimated that over a billion dollars are lost to an ant infestation in the United States annually. There are several essential oil for ants. Read this article to find out more!
Best Essential Oils for Ants
- Peppermint Essential Oil
If you are looking for a gentler daily solution to your ant issue, pure peppermint oil might be the answer you have been looking for. The aroma of peppermint is agreeable to most humans, but it is very offensive to insects and is known for its effectiveness in driving ants away.
- Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil is effective in eliminating ant infestations both inside and outside of the home. The primary component of the essential oil is D-limonene, which is derived from the rind of citrus fruits. The wax that covers the insect’s respiratory system is dissolved by this extract, which is how the ants are killed.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
Ants may be effectively repelled by using essential oil derived from the tea trees. Ants have a very high sensitivity to strong odours like the essential oil of tea trees, which they avoid at all costs. Because it contains major components, which contribute to the oil’s highly strong nature, it is able to deter ants from locations where it has been applied.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
It is good knowledge that eucalyptus essential oil, like the scent of other essential oils, has a strong and distinctive quality. It does this by blocking the scent trails that are left behind by explorer ants, which are then followed by the rest of the ants.
- Lavender Essential Oil
As an essential oil, lavender has a powerful scent that may be used in a variety of contexts. It is a very effective pesticide that is also safe for the surrounding ecosystem. Ants will invade your home in search of sustenance. They are drawn to some aromas, but others drive them away.
- Cinnamon Essential Oil
Ants are not persuaded by the mouthwatering aroma of cinnamon essential oil, which may bring to mind thoughts of winter holidays and sweet treats. The high percentage of cinnamaldehyde that is found in this essential oil is beneficial in effectively controlling and avoiding ant infestations.
- Clove Essential oil
The essential oil of clove has a pungent, spicy flavour and is quite potent. It is an effective natural ant repellent due to the strong perfume it emits, which masks the scent of the food route. It is also possible that the essential oil of clove bud, when it comes into contact with ants, may cause them to perish.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood has been used for centuries because of its ability to ward off insects. Cedar trees must develop strategies to ward against pests in order to reach the towering heights to which they aspire. The essential oil of cedarwood possesses similar properties to those seen in perspective and repellents.
- Citronella Essential Oil
The lemongrass plant is the source of the essential oil known as citronella, which has a long history of use in candles, soaps, and other fragrance-based items. Ants will perish if they come into contact with citronella essential oil, but mosquitoes won’t be able to discover you if you’re wearing a perfume that masks your fragrance. Citronella essential oil can also kill mosquitoes.
- Lemon Essential Oil for Ants
In addition to its usage as a garnishing component, the lemon essential oil may also be of assistance to you in the battle against ants that have taken up residence within your home. The aroma of lemon oil prevents insects from resting in one place by masking the smell trails they follow on their way to and from the food source.
How to Use
- Combine the essential oil blends or a few drops of one essential oil in water in a spray bottle. Gently shake before each use.
- Spray liberally wherever you see ants, as well as along ant trails and points of origin, including window and door frames, baseboards and anywhere else they sneak in.
- Use also as a surface cleaner.
Safety and Precautions
- Avoid using these essential oils near children and pets.
- Pregnant women should avoid using these oils
- In case you come in contact with them and irritation occurs, contact your doctor.
Does the use of essential oils help get rid of ants?
When something as powerful as an essential oil is put on something as vulnerable as an ant, it will undoubtedly result in the ant’s demise.
In most cases, essential oils for ants are used topically as a repellent rather than a killer.
Why Do Ants React When They Are Exposed to Essential Oils?
Ants are distinguished among insects for having one of the most well-developed senses of smell. Because they have four to five times as many olfactory receptors as most other insects, they are very sensitive to the effects of strong odours and may be easily influenced by such scents.
Essential oils in their purest form have one of the most potent aromas. Ants are drawn to a wide variety of plants and smell; however, many plants generate oils and toxins that repel ants, making these plants excellent candidates for extraction into essential oils that may be used inside the house to ward off ant infestations.
Conclusion
Ants are attracted to many different kinds of plants, and it’s best to identify what kind of plant you want to eliminate, or, more likely, repel, from your garden. Some plants are better suited to attracting or repelling ants than others.
It’s important to understand that essential oils won’t kill ants. Instead, they’re more effective in repelling ants. When you repel ants by using essential oils, the ants aren’t able to get a full meal or even a large portion of a meal, and they don’t have access to the plant’s nutrients.
Follow TechStrange for more Technology, Business and Digital Marketing News.