Things You'll Need
Spray bottle
Ammonia
Dawn or Joy liquid dish detergent
Jar lids
Water
When you see a trail of tiny ants working their way down from a window sill, your first thought may be to spray them and kill them. While this is a quick solution, and the chemicals may repel other ants from joining their friends, there are other solutions that don't require spraying dangerous chemicals throughout your house. These other solutions are safer for you and your family, especially when you consider that the micro ants are probably running straight for your kitchen, and you don't want pesticides floating about around your food.
Step 1
Fill a spray bottle with pure household ammonia.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Locate where the ants are coming in if possible, and spray the area from the inside and outside to repel and kill the ants. If you can't locate their entryway, treat the inside and outside of all the windows and doors with ammonia.
Step 3
Add several drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to each jar lid (such as from mayonnaise jars), and mix with a little bit of water. There is no exact science to this--you want a soapy mix that doesn't slosh out of the lid when you walk.
Step 4
Place the lids around the outside of the home where you have seen the ants. Empty dead ants and refill as needed for several days. This can also be used inside; place a lid under the kitchen window or near the door. The ants are attracted by the smell and to the water; they either drown, or ingest the dishwashing detergent and die.
Step 5
Repeat this process as needed for several days and any time these unwanted visitors show up.
Tip
If you can locate the outside source of the ants apply ammonia to their nest.
Video of the Day