An Instagram user has shared a simple DIY spray that can eliminate ants from your patio and home within 30 minutes. The solution uses just two common household ingredients: vinegar and dish soap.
The Ant Problem in Summer
Ants typically invade homes during summer when colonies are at their largest and food needs are greatest. A lone ant scouts for food and shelter, then leaves a pheromone trail for others to follow, leading swarms into your home through patios, skirting boards, and windowsills.
The Simple Solution
Cleaning enthusiast @courtney.onpurpose on Instagram revealed that mixing two cups of white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar with two cups of dish soap creates an effective spray. The vinegar is key, as ants detest its odor and it disrupts their scent trails.
Courtney said, "This spray has been a lifesaver for me this summer. I sprayed this all over my patio, and within 30 minutes, every ant had shrivelled up and disappeared. I haven't seen one since."
How to Use the Spray
Combine the vinegar and dish soap in a bowl, then pour into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to all areas where ants enter, including windows, doors, skirting boards, and common pathways. Spray thoroughly and evenly for best results.
Courtney noted that after spraying, "within 30 minutes they [the ants] were all gone." For ongoing prevention, reapply the solution weekly, or every couple of days if ant activity is high. Reapply after rainfall if the spray has been washed away.
