How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Bed (5 Tips)
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Finding ants in your bed can be a big shock, and the thought of them crawling up your leg is enough to ruin your sleep. Unlike bed bugs, though, ants can be easier to get rid of with a few simple methods.
How do I get rid of ants in my bed? There are several ways to get rid of ants in your bed. First, thoroughly wash your blankets, sheets, and pillowcases with bleach-based detergent. Next, use an ant killer spray on the source and around the room. For a natural spray, use vinegar. If nothing works, call a professional exterminator.
There are lots of other methods to try, which include home remedies. Below are some more detailed tips. Following that, we will provide advice on how to prevent ants from getting into your bed so that you can get back to sleep.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Bed
1. Wash Your Blankets, Sheets, and Pillowcases
Washing your sheets and blankets is probably the easiest way to get rid of ants in your bed. They were most likely attracted to remnants of food or crumbs, so a good wash should eliminate not only the ants but also the source. Use bleach-based detergent. It is a more powerful and effective cleaning solution than using only warm water.
Also, wash your pillowcases, and anything that may have come in contact with your bed. Items may include your pajamas, socks, and regular clothes.
For big duvets and comforters, take them to dry cleaners to get them professionally cleaned without damaging the material.
2. Spray the Ant Source With a Store-Bought Solution or Vinegar
Using Ant Spray Killer is one of the most effective ways to get rid of ants in any part of your home, especially in your bed. They’re straightforward to use and are generally cheap as well.
If you don’t feel like going to the store, make one yourself.
How to Make a DIY Vinegar Ant Spray Killer:
To make an ant spray killer with vinegar, you will need a spray bottle, water, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can also be used.
- Fill half of the spray bottle with water and the other half with vinegar.
- Next, shake the bottle until the solution is mixed.
- Finally, start spraying the areas infested with ants, including bed legs and door frames.
3. Use an Ant Well
If you don’t own a washing machine, or don’t have the time to use one, an ant well can be an effective, home remedy solution. First, get a container, such as a small bowl or bucket. The container should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the bed. You will also need detergent and water.
How to Make an Ant Well:
- Fill the bowl up with water and detergent. It doesn’t have to create bubbles, but it should be soapy.
- Dip one leg of the bed into the bucket or bowl. You may need some help lifting the bed into the bucket.
- Let it dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
This method will help you remove and prevent ants from climbing up on your bed, and infesting your sheets and mattress. If you don’t want to use a container, you can also use a sponge or a towel to wipe all of the bed legs.
4. Bait the Ants With Boric Acid and Sugar
Using boric acid and sugar to bait ants is another way to get rid of ants in your bed. With this solution, you need to be careful about administering this. Boric acid can cause severe poisoning to children and domesticated pets. When using this method, make sure that children or pets are nowhere near the area.
To use this method,
- Fill a saucer with maple syrup and boric acid.
- Place the dish under your bed. Wait patiently for the ants to eventually go to it.
- Once you can no longer see ants, remove the saucer, and proceed to clean your room thoroughly.
It is also advisable to change your sheets and clean your mattress with a vacuum. That way, you can feel more assured that the ants in bed are gone.
5. Call a Professional Ant Pest Exterminator
For peace of mind, hiring a professional exterminator may be a wise move. They not only will remove the ants, but check for bed bugs and other infestations. They should also provide you with other helpful tips to prevent them.
Exterminators are probably the most knowledgeable when it comes to ant extermination. If you happen to have a fire ant infestation in your bedroom, they are the best professionals for the job. They can assist you in what pesticide to use or even do the service themselves.
Note that the fee may vary depending on the equipment and treatment used. So, be sure to research first, ask questions, and be firm with your preference. Usually, non-toxic and natural ant removal costs a bit extra.
Now that you have solved the ant infestation in your bed, the next move is to prevent these insects from infesting your bed again. Keep reading to find out how to prevent ants from getting into your bed.
How to Prevent Ants From Getting into Your Bed
1. Stop Eating in Bed
One of the leading causes of ants in your bed is eating in your bed. It can be tempting, especially if you have a TV nearby. There’s no better way to relax; however, you should avoid doing this. Food crumbs may fall on your bed sheets or even under your bed. Ants can create a nest and will forage from those crumbs. You will have more ants in your bed if you continue this habit. If you decide to eat in bed, use a vacuum afterward to clean up any crumbs that may have dropped.
2. Keep Your Room Clean
Another thing that you can do is clean your room regularly. Don’t leave dirty food containers, used mugs and plates out. Empty your trash can often. Avoid using it to throw out your food. Instead, you should throw food and food wrappers in trash cans outside or in the compost. That way, ants will not infest in your room or your bed.
Clean regularly using a good quality vacuum such as the iRobot Roomba (view on Amazon). This self-charging, intelligent vacuum is great for both carpets and hard floors. Just press clean, or schedule a clean, and let it go to work. Additionally, you can also use a vacuum steamer, which doubles as an antimicrobial tool for your mattress. A vacuum and a steamer will assure you that there are no crumbs or other sweets on the floor and no ants in your bed.
Apart from that, vacuuming also helps remove traces of ant mounds in your room. Afterward, wash your sheets. Food stains can also cause ants to flock on your bed.
3. Know the Access Points
Even if you don’t eat inside your bedroom, there are still times that ants may get in your room and onto your bed. You must identify the source, and where these ants are coming in from. One method of locating the origin is to follow the ant trail. That way, you can easily find where they are building their nest and effectively destroy it.
If their colony is still small, a DIY ant vinegar killer spray may suffice, but if the infestation is already at a severe level, calling for professional help is the best way to handle it.
Seal Windows and Other Holes
If you see small gaps and openings, these can be entryways of ants and other insects into your home. Make sure to seal them with sealants. If sealants aren’t an option for you, you can smear petroleum jelly on the surface.
How to Remove Ants Naturally (More Home Remedies)
The use of deterrents is one of the ways that you can remove ants in your bed without using harmful chemicals. Deterrents come in different forms, including chalk, powder, and even liquid.
The list below is some of the deterrents that you can use in clearing ants off your bedroom space:
- Turmeric
- Citrus oil
- Powdered charcoal
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Black pepper, red chili pepper, or cayenne pepper.
- Vaseline
- Baby powder
- Chalk
- Silica aerogel and other desiccating dust products.
- Coffee
- Mint
- Lemon juice
You can apply these products to your doorway or windows. For the chalk and powdered formed deterrents, spread about ¼ inch of any of these products. Make sure that there is no broken line when applying the product.
For the liquid ones, you can spray them outside your bedroom window sill and door jam. You can also spray them onto access point areas where ants can enter your room.
How to Get Rid of Ants With Ready-Made Repellents
Apart from natural remedies, there are also some other ways to prevent and remove ants from your bed.
Harris Ant Spray
If you aren’t comfortable with using the home-made remedies, you can also use effective ant killer sprays, such as Harris Ant Spray (view on Amazon). This type of repellent is oil-based and made from organic materials. It is deemed safe and eco-friendly. This spray kills ants within 30 minutes. One of the best things about this is that it doesn’t stain your sheet or even furniture.
You can apply this under your bed or in areas where you think ants would reside. It gives off a pleasant smell for you but a bad smell for ants. You can use this repellent indoors or outdoors, and not worry about harming your plants.
Stay Away Ants Scent Pouch
Apart from the sprays and electronic repellents, you can also use the Stay Away Ants Scent Pouch (view on Amazon). Unlike the other repellents, this one is a scent pouch. It repels ants from coming into your bed. You can put it under your bed or anywhere near ant-prone areas inside your home. Its scent is coated with peppermint and other essential oils and is also safe and non-toxic. This scent pouch would last you at least 60 days before you need to replace it.
Conclusion – How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Bed
Most people often ask how they can get rid of ants in their beds. It’s a common problem many people face. Removing them always starts with clean habits. It’s best that you eat in the kitchen and not in your bedroom. You can also use a spray, either store-bought or vinegar. Find the source, as this will be the most effective way to remove them altogether. If all fails, reach out to a professional exterminator. They will remove them, and most likely offer you some helpful advice.
Ants in your bed can be frustrating. They will affect how you sleep and may cause possible skin irritations. Be sure to try out some of the tips mentioned in this article.