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Vaccuum the Ants
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One way to rid your home of ants is to vacuum them up along with some corn starch, according to the Ecology Center. The corn starch is safe for your pets but will suffocate the ants.
Clean the Trails and the House
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Ants leave a scent trail for other ants to follow. Wipe clean the ants' scent trails to help get rid of them. A safe way to do this with pets in your home is to use a spray made of water and cinnamon or cayenne pepper, according to the Ecology Center. Cleaning your home by removing any food attractants for ants to smell is also an option, as is cleaning up any crumbs or other small food on counters and floors.
Flush Them or Feed Them
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Pour warm water down their mound holes, according to the Frugal Life website. This is a perfectly safe way to eliminate ants and prevent them from making it inside your home.
Another option that doesn't use chemicals is to use prepared cream of wheat cereal. Simply prepare a small dish of the cereal and leave it out for the ants. According to the Frugal Life website, the cereal will expand in the ants' stomachs and kill them.
Repellent Plants
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Plant mint, a natural ant repellent, around your home. The Golden Harvest Organics website also suggests adding catnip, sage and spearmint to the list of ant-repellent plants. These plants only repel certain kinds of ants that seek sweet foods.
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The Safe Ways to Get Rid of Ants If You Have Pets
Many commercial ant-killing products are effective, but only because they contain poisons. This poison kills the ants, but can also have an effect on your pets. Safe alternatives are available, including using products you already have in your pantry, water and some repellent plants. These are safe to use around pets.