Although squashing a rogue ant in your home is often instinctual, pest control pros have warned you should never do this as it will only bring even more ants inside.
It might seem harmless (for us, at least), but this rapid ‘pest control’ method could encourage an infestation, rather than prevent one, because of the ant's pheromones acting like an SOS or warning signal to its colony mates.
Here, entomologists explain why squishing is not the best way to get rid of ants in your home, and what to do instead.
Why you should never squash ants in your home
So far as natural pest control methods go, simply squashing is as non-toxic as they come. However, when you squish an ant, the pheromones released can attract other ants into your home in search of their friend.
Ryan Smith, entomologist and owner of Ant & Garden Organic Pest Control explains, ‘Squishing ants inside the house may seem like a quick solution, but it often worsens the problem. When an ant is crushed, it releases alarm pheromones that signal danger to other ants nearby.
'In species like Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile), and pavement ants (Tetramorium immigrans), squashing even one worker can trigger more intense foraging activity within hours as other ants respond to the alarm and begin searching the area for food or threats. Rather than reducing ant activity, this reaction can cause more ants to arrive and expand their search area.
‘Besides alarm pheromones, ants constantly lay scent trails to communicate the location of food sources. Crushing ants along these trails can disrupt these chemical pathways, but not in a way that resolves the issue. Instead, you risk confusing the trail network, which sometimes leads ants to spread into new parts of the home.’
So, if you want to eliminate ants in your kitchen for good, it’s probably best to remove the ant, or momentarily let the ant be, and try other non-toxic methods instead.
What to do instead
To stop ants coming into the house, Ryan says, ‘A much better approach is to wipe away the ants and their trails using a solution that breaks down pheromones. I recommend cleaning with vinegar, mixing 50-50 with water to clean countertops, floors, and any surfaces where ants have traveled. The vinegar neutralizes the pheromone trails and makes it harder for other ants to follow the path.’
It is worth noting that vinegar does not kill ants alone; it only disrupts trails. You can instead use an ant spray, such as Raid, from Walmart. This solution does rely on harsh chemicals, however, so it may not be suitable for all areas of the home or homes with pets.
Ryan continues, ‘After disrupting the trails, finding and sealing entry points where ants are getting inside is important. Common access points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, plumbing penetrations, and electrical openings. Sealing these with caulk or weather stripping cuts off future access.’ The GE Silicone All-Purpose Caulk, available at Lowe’s, is perfect for this task.
Ryan concludes, ‘If ants continue to appear, I prefer using bait stations containing organic, low-toxicity active ingredients such as borax [available at Walmart] mixed with sugar water or syrup, which is perfect for common indoor pests. Worker ants return this bait to the nest, feeding it to the colony and the queen. Over several days, this can eliminate the entire nest, which is much more effective than repeatedly killing visible foragers.’
Similarly, you can use baking soda to kill ants.
Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden found Dr. Killigan's Six Feet Under plant powered insect spray effective for wiping chemical trails out. 'It uses pungent cinnamon and clove, both of which ants hate and will wipe away any trails left behind.'
Another good line of defense to protect your home from ants is to plant pest-repellent plants around your perimeter, helping to dissuade ants from venturing too close to your buildings.
Gardening expert James Higgins at Grass247 shares, ‘If you’re looking for a natural solution to driving away and getting rid of ants, then plants with strong scents such as mint, lavender, and ginger can be ideal additions to your gardens.
‘Ants will be overwhelmed by the scent of these and will steer clear of your garden as a result.’
What to shop
Pack of four
This long-lasting bait wipes out ants where they hide for up to three months. For maximum effectiveness place all ant baits at the same time.
Remove ant trails
With a strong acidic scent, white vinegar can disrupt ant trails, preventing them from following their friends into your home.
EWG Certified
Keeping your home clean is a must to prevent all sorts of pests, including ants. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds.
Meet the experts
Finding the right cleaning balance in your home is also essential to preventing ants from venturing inside, and negating the need to quash any. Ryan adds, ‘Good sanitation is essential. It’s best to store food in sealed containers, immediately clean up crumbs and spills, wipe down surfaces daily, and take out trash regularly. Even small food sources can sustain a colony if left unchecked.’