Home Remedies to Get Rid of Flying Ants

The presence of flying ants normally occurs in the spring and summer months and can quickly become a regular occurrence in your home. Flying ants help to expand the ant colony; their presence usually means that a nest is near. Although there are many chemical treatments that are effective in killing flying ants, they can be hazardous to both your health and the environment. Fortunately, home remedies that are both natural and effective do exist.

According to Grandma's Home Remedies website, flying ants are typically deterred by the presence of boric acid. Combine 3 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar and 4 tsp. of boric acid in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on any flying ants you see walking in your environment and along the outside of doors and windows. This should prevent them from going inside. You can also mix 2 tbsp. of boric acid with 1 cup of corn syrup and apply it using a putty knife to areas on the outside of your home where flying ants can get in. Avoid using this substance in the presence of children, as boric acid can be dangerous if touched or ingested.

Applying ground herbs and other food products to the areas in which the flying ants walk will help to eliminate their presence. Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds or lemon juice in areas you have seen the flying ants. Ants will typically not cross a line of any of these products. In addition, create a bait that the flying ants will take back to their colonies by mixing 1 liter of water, 1 tsp. of borax and 1 cup of sugar, suggests the EarthEasy website. Soak small cotton balls or pieces of cotton in the mixture, then place them in yogurt containers with holes punched in the lid that will allow the flying ants to enter. The flying ants will likely carry the balls back to their colonies, which will help to eliminate the ants inside.

Vinegar and alcohol are cheap and effective ways in which to eliminate your flying ant population. Spray vinegar around doors, windows and other entryways to your home to prevent the flying ants from coming in, recommends Grandma's Home Remedies website. You can also create an effective flying ant deterrent by combining 40 percent each of water and alcohol, and 20 percent dish soap in a spray bottle. The mixture will kill the flying ants when applied directly to them and will also create a residual effect that will prevent the ants from coming inside your home when applied outside.