How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Edmonton Home starts with stopping the invasion at its source. Ants sneak inside your home through tiny cracks, especially during spring and summer. At that time, they are looking for food and moisture. You might see them near baseboards, under sinks, or in your pantry.
They multiply quickly and are tough to eliminate with store-bought sprays. To solve the problem, you need a strategic approach. You just don’t have to target the ants, you see, but the entire colony that is behind. This guide will help you take action fast and keep your Edmonton home ant-free all year long.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Edmonton Home: DIY and Chemical Methods
While professional pest control offers the most effective and lasting results, you, as an Edmonton homeowner, can try natural or DIY remedies first. These methods can help reduce ant activity. But most of the time, you can’t eliminate the colony or the queen. Below are the most common options, including both natural and chemical strategies.
Natural & Home Remedies
- Essential Oils
Scents like peppermint, cinnamon, lemon, and eucalyptus repel ants. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it around baseboards, entry points, and windows.
Pros: Affordable, easy, safe for children.
Cons: Can be irritating to pets, especially cats.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Made from fossilised aquatic organisms, diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder. It damages their exoskeleton by drying out ants when they walk through it. Sprinkle it along ant trails, baseboards, windows, and entry points.
Pros: Effective, natural, safe for pets and people.
The cons are that it can be messy, pets may track DE dust throughout the house, and DE can be a skin and respiratory irritant. It requires reapplication and does not kill the colony or the Queen.
- Baking Soda or Borax + Sugar
Mix equal parts baking soda or borax with powdered sugar to attract and poison ants. Place the mixture in shallow containers where ants can easily access it.
Pros: Effective, easy.
The cons are that it may attract kids or pets and can be toxic to both. It does not kill the colony or the Queen.
- Household Detergents
Mix dish soap or glass cleaner with water to scrub areas where ants are active. These detergents remove the ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for others to follow the same path into your home.
Pros: Easy, safe, and non-toxic.
The cons are that it requires manual application and regular re-application. It only kills visible worker ants, not the colony or the Queen.
- White Vinegar
Spray a 50/50 vinegar-water solution on ants directly to kill them and remove their trails. The pungent smell also deters new ants from returning.
Pros: Easy, affordable, effective.
The cons are that it may be unsafe for all surfaces, leaving behind a vinegar smell. It must be reapplied consistently and does not kill any ants besides the visible workers.
- Chalk
Chalk lines made with calcium carbonate confuse ants by disrupting their scent trails. Draw thick lines near doorways, patios, or around picnic tables.
Pros: Affordable, easy.
Cons: It is not a long-term solution (it will only keep ants away for a while). You must reapply after rain or watering, and it also does not kill ants that remain in the colony.
- Boric Acid
Mix boric acid with sugar and water, then soak cotton balls in the solution. Place them in high-traffic areas, allowing ants to return the poison to the colony.
Pros: Affordable, effective.
Cons: Boric acid can be dangerous for kids and pets. So you must keep the solution and cotton balls out of their reach.
- Citrus (Orange or Lemon Peels)
Citrus peels contain d-limonene, a natural ant repellent and contact poison. Soak the peels in water for several days to create a citrus spray. Use it directly on ants or their trails.
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, non-toxic for kids, pets, and other animals.
The cons are that it can create a sticky residue, it is time-consuming, and it only kills worker ants. Also, it will not wipe out the colony.
- Pepper (Black or Red)
Ants rely on scent to communicate, and the strong smell of pepper can disrupt their trails. To repel ants, sprinkle ground pepper in corners, along baseboards, or behind appliances.
Pros: Affordable, safe.
The cons are that it can be an irritant for kids and pets, it can be messy, and it requires regular re-application. It just drives away the ants, not kills them.
- Salt (Epsom)
Epsom salt is a good option. Mix it with water and spray it directly on ants. It dehydrates and kills them quickly. It won’t be effective if you don’t spray it directly on the ant’s body.
Pros: Epsom salt is safe to handle and won’t harm kids, pets, or other animals.
Cons: It won’t drastically reduce ant populations. You’ll need to reapply the salt regularly. This method only works if you spray it directly on ants.
- Vacuuming + Soapy Water
Vacuum regularly to eliminate ants and any leftover food you can see. Then, wipe the area with soapy water to remove the scent trail ants leave behind. This way, they won’t return.
Pros: Immediate removal of ants, disrupts colony communication, and no harmful chemicals.
Cons: It is a temporary solution, and it requires consistent effort. But it may not eliminate the entire colony.
- Cornstarch
Pour cornstarch directly over ant clusters, then add water to trap and smother them. For a cleaner option, vacuum the ants and throw away the vacuum bag immediately to prevent re-infestation.
Pros: Effective, non-toxic, fast.
The cons are that it can be messy and requires more cleanup than other methods. Besides all the effort, it only kills worker ants.
Chemical-Based Solutions
- Ant Baits
Ant baits contain a slow-acting poison that worker ants carry back to the nest. Once inside, the poison spreads through the colony and reaches the queen. It is a complete and long-term solution.
Pros: Effective, Affordable.
Cons: It can be dangerous for kids and pets. You must check and replace regularly.
- Ant Sprays
Insecticide sprays effectively kill ants. You can apply them inside the home or around the exterior foundation to create a barrier.
Pros: Effective, fast-acting.
The cons: It contains toxins and is unsafe for kids or pets. It kills ants on contact, which is not a permanent solution.
- Ant Traps
Ant traps lure ants in and prevent them from escaping. Some traps contain poison for quicker elimination.
Pros: Affordable, effective.
Cons: Must check the traps regularly and dispose of dead ants.
Honest Look at Ant Control Methods (What Actually Helps & What Doesn’t)
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Diatomaceous Earth (DE) | Natural, effective, pet-safe | Messy, needs reapplication, doesn’t kill the colony |
| Household Detergents | Easy, non-toxic | Only affects visible ants and needs frequent reapplication |
| Pepper (Black/Red) | Cheap, safe | Messy, doesn’t kill ants, can irritate kids or pets |
| Essential Oils | Easy, child-safe | Can irritate pets, especially cats |
| White Vinegar | Affordable, effective | Smells strong, not safe for all surfaces, short-lived effect |
| Baking Soda or Borax + Sugar | Effective, simple to make | Toxic to pets/kids, doesn’t kill queen |
| Chalk | Quick, affordable | Temporary, needs reapplying, ineffective on colonies |
| Citrus (Orange/Lemon Peels) | Non-toxic, pet/kid-safe | Sticky residue, prep time, and only kills worker ants |
| Salt (Epsom) | Safe, eco-friendly | Must contact ants directly, not effective for colonies |
| Cornstarch | Non-toxic, fast | Messy, labour-intensive cleanup only kills workers |
| Boric Acid + Sugar Bait | Effective, reaches queen | Toxic to pets/kids, must be placed with caution |
| Vacuuming + Soapy Water | Chemical-free, instant effect | Not a long-term solution, needs consistency |
| Ant Baits | Long-lasting, kills the queen | Dangerous for pets/kids, needs regular checks |
| Ant Traps | Easy to use | Needs disposal, doesn’t target the colony |
| Ant Sprays | Fast-acting, effective | Toxic, temporary, doesn’t reach the colony |
You can also read: Best Ant Control Exterminators Near Me for further inspection.
Outdoor Ant Control Methods
Stopping ants outside your home is just as important as getting rid of them indoors. Most infestations start outdoors. Here, ants build nests in soil, under concrete, and near your foundation before moving inside. Tackling these outdoor nests is the best way to stop the problem before it spreads.
- Boiling Water Treatment
Pouring boiling water directly into visible ant mounds can instantly kill hundreds of ants on contact. This method is most effective when you locate the nest entrance and pour slowly to reach deep into the colony.
Best for: Isolated nests in gardens, sidewalks, or yard edges
Note: This will not eliminate satellite colonies or underground queens
- Outdoor Ant Baits
Place gel or granular ant baits near trails, nest openings, and foundation edges. These baits are carried back to the colony. So, eventually, they kill the queen and other ants.
Best for: Persistent infestations and wide-ranging colonies
Tip: Avoid placing repellent sprays near baits, as it deters ants from carrying poison back
- Perimeter Insecticide Sprays
Use non-repellent insecticide sprays around the base of your home, about 2 feet up and 3 feet out. These products create an invisible barrier that ants cross and carry poison back to their nest.
Best for: It will create a long-lasting ant-proof zone around your property
Caution: Choose pet-safe products when applying near lawns or patios
- Diatomaceous Earth Around Entry Zones
Food-grade diatomaceous earth kills ants slowly by drying out their exoskeletons. Apply it around the foundation, window wells, decks, and garden beds.
Best for: Eco-friendly barrier treatment
Reapply: After rain or watering, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.
- Remove Attractants in the Yard
Always keep your outdoor space clean and dry. Rake leaves, trim overgrown vegetation. Also, move firewood or debris piles away from your home’s exterior. Ants use these areas for shelter and nesting.
Focus Areas: Mulched flower beds, compost bins, garbage bins, patios, and garden edges
Bonus: Reduces shelter for other pests like spiders and earwigs
- Seal Foundation Cracks and Utility Gaps
Thoroughly search outside your home for cracks in the foundation or gaps around utility lines and hose bibs. Use caulking or weatherproof sealant to block potential entryways.
Best for: Long-term prevention and structural exclusion
Combine with: Baiting or perimeter sprays for maximum protection.
Why Choose Major Pest Control in Edmonton
While DIY methods offer short-term relief, we eliminate ant problems at the source. At Major Pest Control, our certified team uses targeted treatments that kill the entire colony, including the queen.
We start with a full inspection, then apply eco-friendly products tailored to your home. As a locally owned company, we know Edmonton’s pest patterns and deliver fast, effective results in any neighbourhood.
With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and 24/7 emergency service, we’re committed to safely and permanently keeping your home ant-free.
FAQ
Q: Why are ants invading my Edmonton home?
A: Ants in Edmonton enter homes searching for food, moisture, or shelter, especially during temperature shifts. Construction and landscaping can also disturb nests and push ants indoors.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent ants in Edmonton?
A: Seal entry points, keep food sealed, clean crumbs, fix leaks, and trim vegetation around your foundation to keep ants out.
Q: Are DIY ant control methods effective in Edmonton?
A: DIY methods work in the short term, but often fail to eliminate colonies. Edmonton’s climate makes long-lasting results difficult without professional help.
Q: How does Major Pest Control Edmonton treat ant infestations?
A: We inspect your home, identify the species, and apply safe, targeted treatments that suit your home. This is followed by preventative advice and service guarantees.
Q: How much does ant extermination cost in Edmonton?
A: The cost of most ant control services in Edmonton depends on the infestation. We offer flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
Say Goodbye to Ants—For Good
Ants may be tiny, but their impact isn’t.
They invade kitchens, crawl through walls, and nest in your yard. DIY fixes slow them down but rarely stop the colony or prevent them from returning.
If you see ants repeatedly, it’s time for a real solution.
At Major Pest Control Edmonton, we deliver fast, proven ant control that targets the source. Our treatments are safe for your family, effective against all species, and backed by a guarantee.
Take control before the ants do.
Call today, and your pest-free home will start here.
For additional insights and resources on ant prevention, check out this detailed guide from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).