Are you a homeowner who’s fed up with pesky ants marching across your balcony? Welcome to the club! But don’t give up yet: there are plenty of effective strategies for getting rid of these little critters. Here are 17 surefire ways to tackle the ant invasion on your balcony. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Summary of 23 strategies for getting rid of ants on the balcony
| Method | Price | Installation | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Clean up any food or drink spills | Zero | Easy | Effective |
| 2. Keep trash cans sealed | Zero | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 3. Plant natural ant-repellent herbs (mint, basil, and thyme) | Medium-Expensive | Medium-Difficult | Moderately Effective |
| 4. Remove any standing water or moisture | Zero | Medium | Moderately Effective |
| 5. Use essential oil (orange, tea tree, clove, peppermint, cinnamon) | Medium | Easy | Effective |
| 6. Make a sugar and borax bait | Low | Medium | Effective |
| 7. Vinegar and water solution | Very Low | Easy | Effective |
| 8. Baking soda | Low | Easy | Effective |
| 9. Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth | Low | Easy | Effective |
| 10. Fresh Garlic | Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 11. Citrus Peels | Very Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 12. Cayenne Pepper | Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 13. Chalk line | Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 14. Salt | Very Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 15. Boric acid | Low | Easy-Medium | Effective |
| 16. Liquid dish soap | Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 17. Adhesive tape | Low | Medium | Moderately Effective |
| 18. Cucumber Peel | Very Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 19. Flour | Very Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 20. Coffee Grounds | Low | Easy | Moderately Effective |
| 21. Use a fan | Medium-Expensive | Medium | Moderately Effective |
| 22. Use ant bait traps or ant spray | Medium-Expensive | Easy-Medium | Effective |
| 23. Hire a professional pest control service | Expensive | Medium | Very-Effective |
1. Clean up any food or drink spills immediately
Cleaning up food and drink spills immediately is one of the best ways to eliminate ants on your balcony. It eliminates any potential food sources that could attract the ants.
Ants always look for food, especially sweet and sugary foods, and follow a scent trail to locate it. If there is a spill or crumbs left on your balcony, this could invite ants to come and nest.
Cleaning up the spills right away can prevent the ants from finding anything that would entice them to stay. This simple step can go a long way in getting rid of ants in no time.
2. Keep trash cans sealed
When ants come into contact with a food source, they leave behind scent trails that draw other ants. If the ants find a steady food supply in an unsealed trash can, they will establish a colony and return to the same spot. By sealing off the trash cans, you can eliminate the strong scent and easy food source that attracts ants.
3. Plant natural ant-repellent herbs (mint, basil, and thyme)
Planting natural ant-repellent herbs such as mint, basil, and thyme eliminates ants on your balcony. Planting these herbs around the perimeter of your balcony can create a sweet fragrant aroma in your space, but the strong scent of these herbs can prove to be a barrier that ants are reluctant to cross.
It’s an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing way to protect your balcony from ant infestations. Plus, you can use the herbs in some delicious culinary dishes! Natural solutions like these make it easier to keep pests away without resorting to harsh chemical treatments.
4. Remove any standing water or moisture
Ants are attracted to moist or wet environments and often search for such areas, especially if the conditions are hot and dry. If they can find a source of water or moisture in the form of standing puddles or damp soil, they will use it to build nests there and colonize the area.
By removing any sources of water or moisture, you can prevent ants from infesting your balcony and make it less hospitable for them.
Other types of pests, such as mosquitoes, may also be attracted to water sources, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from breeding on your balcony.
Taking proactive measures such as routinely inspecting for sources of water or moisture and making sure that these are removed promptly can help ensure that your balcony remains free from ant infestations.
5. Use essential oil (orange, tea tree, clove, peppermint, cinnamon)
Essential oils contain powerful compounds that produce strong fragrances, which can be used to repel ants and other pests naturally. These oils are a great choice for eco-friendly pest control solutions.
Orange, tea tree, clove, peppermint, and cinnamon essential oils are particularly effective at deterring ants due to their strong scent. When diluted with water and sprayed around the perimeter of your balcony or used as a cotton ball/pad soaked in the oil and placed in areas where you’ve seen ants entering your home, these essential oils will act as a natural repellent for the pests. The smell of these oils can also mask any food odors that might attract the ants into your home in the first place.
Other than being effective against ants, essential oils also have other benefits; they create a pleasant aroma in your living space while keeping pests away. Additionally, these essential oils are rich in beneficial compounds like terpenes and phenols, which can help purify the air by removing harmful pollutants. These compounds also act as natural fungicides and disinfectants that protect you from germs and bacteria in your home environment.
6. Make a sugar and borax bait
It is an effective, natural solution that can help eliminate an ant infestation. Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral toxic to ants when ingested.
When mixed with equal parts sugar, this mixture creates a bait that ants are irresistibly drawn to.
Once consumed, the borax will be carried back to the ant colony by worker ants, which can then kill off the colony over time.
This method can be highly effective in dealing with large ant infestations, but it may take several days before you start seeing results.
It’s important to keep this bait out of reach of kids and pets, as borax can be harmful if ingested.
With careful monitoring and proper use of the sugar and borax bait, you can eliminate any ant problem on your balcony!
7. Vinegar and water solution
The vinegar has natural ant-repellent properties due to its pungent scent. The solution is also safe to use on most surfaces, as it won’t cause damage to them as other chemical solutions might.
Since it is made up of two ingredients that are easy to find in any household, it is a cost-efficient option for getting rid of pesky ants.
It also takes very little effort; mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for application, or you can even use the undiluted vinegar for a stronger solution.
However, be cautious when applying the solution, as it can kill plants and flowers if applied directly to them.
8. Baking soda
It is an effective, safe, and affordable solution.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is toxic to ants, so when mixed with equal parts sugar or made into a paste with water, it can be used as bait in ant-infested areas. The ants will eat the bait and die, eliminating them from your balcony.
Remember that baking soda can also kill plants and flowers, so avoid applying it directly to any vegetation.
Baking soda is easy to find in any grocery store at a very low cost – saving you time and money compared to expensive ant killers that may not even be effective.
9. Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
This non-toxic powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms cuts through ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die rapidly.
DE can be found in many gardening stores or online marketplaces, and it is safe for humans and pets when used correctly.
When sprinkled in a thin layer around the perimeter of your balcony, DE will provide an effective barrier against ants looking for food or water sources in your apartment.
Additionally, DE does not have any chemical fumes associated with it like other pesticides, making it a better option for anyone concerned about their health or their pet’s health.
Its low cost makes it a great choice compared to other options, such as chemical sprays which may require multiple applications over time.
Make sure to use food-grade DE, as other types may contain toxic substances that can harm humans and pets.
10. Fresh Garlic
The strong and pungent scent of garlic is an excellent ant repellent and can be used in various ways.
To make a powerful ant-repellent spray, crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with water. The pungent smell will force the ants away from your balcony.
You can also place sliced garlic pieces directly in areas where you have seen ant activity to repel them further.
Additionally, garlic has proven to be an effective pest control solution due to its antibacterial properties; it can also help protect against various other insects.
11. Citrus Peels
Their essential oils are pleasant and refreshing to us and repulsive and off-putting to the pests. For best results, directly apply citrus peels onto any spots where you have noticed ant activity – they will steadily release their potent aroma and make it difficult for the ants to return.
Alternatively, you can use citrus essential oils in combination with water to create a spray, which can be sprayed around the exterior of your balcony as an extra layer of ant defense. Whichever method you choose, citrus peels are a natural and highly effective way of sending ants right back out of your home!
12. Cayenne Pepper
This chili powder contains capsaicin, a compound that forms irritating barrier ants cannot cross, making it the perfect pest repellent.
Spread a thin layer of cayenne pepper around the perimeter or mix it with some water to create a spray solution and apply directly to areas where you have sighted ants.
The strong, pungent scent will repel them as quickly as it has arrived without resorting to harsh chemicals. Cayenne pepper is an all-natural, safe, and effective way to keep your outdoor entertaining spaces free of unwanted guests.
13. Chalk line
The physical barrier created by the chalk prevents ants from crossing over, while the calcium carbonate interferes with their ability to detect scent trails.
Drawing a line of chalk around the perimeter of your balcony, particularly in areas where you have seen ants, can help keep them away.
However, it is important to note that chalk may need to be reapplied after moisture or rain as it can easily be washed away.
In addition to creating a physical and chemical barrier, ants are repelled by the smell of chalk and dislike walking over its powdery surface.
For these reasons, chalk is one of the best solutions for keeping ants away from your balcony without harming them or using harsh chemicals.
14. Salt
Not only is it readily available and inexpensive, but when sprinkled in small amounts, salt will act as a natural desiccant, drawing out the moisture from the ants’ bodies and killing them.
With its high absorption capacity, salt can also be used as a barrier to prevent ants from entering your home by forming a line where you don’t want them to enter.
Salt is also very easy to use; sprinkle it liberally in areas where you’ve noticed ant activity or mix it with water to create an ant-killing spray.
Remember – using this method, avoid vegetation since salt can damage flowers and plants if applied directly.
15. Boric acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used as a pesticide. When combined with an attractive food source like sugar or honey, it becomes an irresistible bait for ants.
Ants that eat boric acid are killed quickly since the boric acid absorbs moisture and disrupts their metabolic process.
Additionally, when sprayed around the edges or cracks of your balcony, boric acid will be a preventive measure to keep ants away because it’s difficult for them to cross over.
Exercise caution when handling boric acid, as it can be hazardous if ingested by humans or animals.
16. Liquid dish soap
The surfactants in liquid dish soap have been found to dissolve an ant’s exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die. Additionally, the soap can disrupt an ant’s chemical trail, making it difficult for them to navigate and prohibiting further activity on the balcony.
To use this method, mix a small amount of liquid dish soap with water creating a spray solution and apply it directly onto the ants or any areas you may have seen them – be careful not to overspray as it could damage your plants!
17. Adhesive tape
Adhesive tape can be placed around the perimeter of your balcony, focusing on areas where you have noticed them congregating or entering. The sticky surface of the tape traps any ants that attempt to cross its path, denying them access to your balcony.
It also interrupts ant communication, blocking their pheromone signals and preventing them from finding food or leaving trails for other ants to follow.
As a bonus, adhesive tape is easy to apply and can easily be removed. However, it will need to be replaced regularly since it loses effectiveness over time due to dirt accumulation or exposure to rain.
18. Cucumber Peel
The peel contains a chemical called cucurbitacin, a natural repellent effective against ants and other pests.
There are several ways to use cucumber peel to control ants on your balcony. One method is to place the peels directly onto areas where ants have been spotted, as this will help to deter them from returning.
Another option is to use cucumber essential oil and dilute it with water before spraying it around the perimeter of your balcony. This will create a barrier that ants will be reluctant to cross.
19. Flour
It can create a physical barrier that ants cannot cross. Ants rely on chemical trails to navigate and communicate with one another, and they will often follow a scent trail to locate food or nesting sites.
Flour can interfere with ants’ ability to detect and follow scent trails, as the fine particles can absorb the chemicals ants use to communicate.
To use flour as an ant deterrent, sprinkle a thin layer around the perimeter of your balcony, paying attention to areas where you have seen ants. The flour will create a physical barrier that the ants cannot cross and interfere with their ability to follow scent trails.
It is important to note that flour will need to be reapplied after rain or heavy moisture, as it will wash away.
20. Coffee Grounds
The strong, pungent scent of coffee grounds is unpleasant to ants, and they will often avoid areas with a strong coffee smell.
To effectively control ants on your balcony, try scattering a thin layer of coffee grounds around the perimeter, paying particular attention to areas where you have seen ants. The coffee grounds’ strong scent will help to keep the ants at bay.
Alternatively, you can use coffee grounds essential oil as a repellent by diluting a few drops in water and spraying it around the perimeter of your balcony.
It is important to note that coffee grounds can potentially harm plants and flowers by lowering the pH of the soil and making it more acidic, so be sure to use caution when applying them.
21. Use a fan to blow ants away
Using a fan disrupts ants’ chemical trails and makes it difficult for them to navigate on your balcony. Ants rely on these trails to locate food and nesting sites, but a fan can help to break them up and make it harder for the ants to follow them.
To use a fan as a deterrent, turn it on and direct the airflow towards areas where you have seen ants.
Remember that it is important to use the fan consistently to maintain its effectiveness.
22. Use ant bait traps or ant spray
Ant bait traps contain a food attractant and poison that is safe for humans but toxic to ants; when the ants eat the bait, they bring it back to their colony, helping to kill the entire colony.
Additionally, ant spray is a chemical compound that is toxic to ants when ingested or inhaled and will kill them on contact.
Regarding ant control, pest control professionals recommend three highly effective solutions: Terro Ant Killer, Ortho Home Defense Max Ant & Roach Killer, and Advion Ant Gel.
- Terro contains borax, a natural mineral that kills ants and is easy to use.
- Ortho is a powerful ant spray that kills the ants on contact and creates an invisible barrier that prevents their return for up to one year.
- Advion Ant Gel is a professional-grade ant bait that extracts ants from their nests and kills them quickly without leaving any residue.
Remember to read the instructions carefully before purchasing any of these products because it’s important to ensure that you get the right product for your particular type of ant problem.
23. Hire a professional pest control service
Not only will they be able to identify the type of ants that have set up shop on your balcony, but they will be able to discern what combination of treatments, such as ant traps, sprays, and physical barriers, will be necessary for sending them packing once and for all.
They can also pinpoint any underlying factors that may have attracted these unwelcome houseguests in the first place, such as food or water sources, and help install preventative measures so you won’t have to deal with a similar issue anytime soon.
It is important to research and choose a reputable pest control service (licensed, certified, and insured), experienced (proven track record and range of service including ants), and capable of meeting your needs.
Conclusion
Getting rid of ants on your balcony doesn’t have to be hard. With the right methods, you can get rid of those pesky critters quickly and easily. The strategies mentioned in this article are all effective ways to tackle an ant invasion without breaking the bank or using harsh chemicals that could harm you and your family. The most important thing is to be proactive and take the necessary steps before an ant infestation becomes too overwhelming. Start today, and you’ll be on your way to a bug-free balcony. Good luck!
Related article:
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