Ants can become a nuisance once they find their way into the house. Although they are not considered storage pests, they are still not pleasant contemporaries. Problem solving is particularly important if there are children or pets in the home. Ant sprays are one method of fighting the insects.
Ingredients and effects
Ant killers contain active substances that effectively fight the ants. In addition, the products are enriched with so-called inert or uninvolved substances, which complete the recipe. This group of substances includes stabilizers, propellants, fragrances and preservatives that are not used to combat insects. The actual active substances are different pyrethroids, which act as contact poisons against different
sucking, biting or crawling insects have an effect. If ants come into contact with the active ingredients, the sodium channels in the nerve membranes are blocked. This blockage no longer resolves by itself and first leads to spastic paralysis. The insects can no longer move and eventually die. There are various synthetic pyrethroids that are approved as biocides in Germany. They have different properties:- Imiprothrin: slightly toxic to mammals, but extremely harmful to aquatic organisms
- Cypermethrin: can be broken down by insects if the dose is insufficient
- Prallethrin: moderately toxic to mammals, highly toxic to aquatic organisms and bees
Tip: Avoid ant poisons that are considered to be
Granules or casting agents are offered. If the substances get into the garden soil, they are not broken down, but rather absorbed by plants such as fruit and vegetables.Advantages and disadvantages
Ant sprays work particularly quickly. They can be applied easily and precisely. However, the remedies are not selective. They can also be used against other unwanted crawling insects, but they also damage beneficial insects. The main disadvantage is that ant spray can be inhaled very easily by humans and pets. Terrariums, aquariums and animal cages should therefore be removed from the room before use. If it is used outdoors, it can be washed away when it rains. Indoors, it is removed by cleaning and needs to be used more frequently until the problem is resolved.
Bless you
Although the products are classified as harmless to humans, you should still not inhale the spray mist. The various active ingredients can irritate the respiratory tract and, if inhaled frequently, can lead to various respiratory diseases as a result of multiple uses. Use ant sprays with caution and ensure that the interior is well ventilated. In principle, bait cans are more suitable than sprays because of these
Products, no spray mist with active chemical substances can get into the room air.Note: When buying ant spray, pay attention to the recommended area of use. Products for the garden usually smell much more intense and are not suitable for use in rooms.
Fight ants naturally
There are numerous home remedies that are good for your health and fight the plague of ants in a natural way. Although these methods sometimes take a little longer to fully control the ants, they are still preferable to chemical agents. Home remedies are environmentally friendly and do not harm beneficial insects or other living things.
- Baking soda: swells in the ants' stomach, causing them to burst
- Duct tape: If stuck on an ant road, ants lose the scent trail and can no longer find their way
- Chalk: has an effect similar to tape
- Neem oil: prevents ants from reproducing
- Cinammon: impaired the sense of direction when scattered on the ant road