Preventing Ants from Invading Your Honey

When honey jars are left open during meals or cooking, ants can quickly become unwelcome guests. Avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding drowned ants in your honey by learning how to properly store it.

Ensure your honey jar lid is securely closed. Always keep honey jars tightly sealed when not in use. This simple precaution prevents ants from accessing your sweet condiments and ruining your enjoyment.

Clean the jar and surrounding surfaces after use. Honey tends to drip, attracting ants. Use a damp paper towel with dish soap to wipe down the jar and countertops. Ensure used utensils are washed or placed in the dishwasher.

Store honey in a glass or plastic container at room temperature. Maintain honey between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight. Optimal storage locations include pantries or cupboards. If honey isn't in an airtight container, transfer it to a sealed glass or plastic jar.

Consider refrigerating your honey. While refrigeration is viable, note that honey may crystallize below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure consistent temperature to prevent crystal formation. However, honey may flow slower when cold.

• Place the jar in warm water to dissolve crystals.
• Honey can also be frozen.
• Be cautious as moisture can cause fermentation, spoiling the honey.

Create a decoy honey trap. Distract ants from your main honey source by placing a small dish of honey or sugar water outside your home. Refill periodically and move the trap away to divert ants from your kitchen.

• Mix sugar and water (1:1 ratio) for sugar water. Dissolve sugar in hot water and let it cool.
• Alternatively, use peanut butter and bacon grease or sugar and Borax mixture in a container covered with aluminum foil and pierced with holes.
• These traps only divert ants, so move them away from your home to prevent invasion.

Create a moat to trap ants. Ants are deterred by water, making it a natural barrier for protecting your honey. Place your honey container in a small dish with a shallow pool of water. Ensure the water level is maintained and check it frequently to prevent evaporation. This method is effective for countertop honey storage, especially if the lid is lost.

• Regularly monitor the water level to prevent evaporation.
• This method can be continuously used by adding more water as needed.

Use ant traps strategically. Store-bought traps effectively capture and eliminate ants inside your home. Place them near kitchen appliances or areas prone to dirt and crumbs. Outdoor traps can also prevent ants from entering your home.

• Outdoor traps are available to intercept ants before they enter your home.
• Ensure traps are placed out of reach of children and pets due to their toxic content.

Employ non-toxic methods to eradicate ants. For households with children, pets, or allergies, chemical-free ant elimination methods are preferable. Use solutions such as vinegar, lemon juice, or Borax to deter ants. Alternatively, create a bait using baking soda and powdered sugar.

• Create a mixture of baking soda and powdered sugar to attract ants and disrupt their digestive systems.

Immediately eradicate ants upon sight. Act promptly by disposing of ants with a paper towel or tissue upon spotting them. This proactive approach delays ants from locating your sweet treats. Although it may not be practical for large infestations, it serves as a temporary solution.

Clean kitchen surfaces and containers with vinegar. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then apply it using a paper towel or spray bottle. Use this solution to wipe countertops, cupboard interiors, and areas where ants are seen, such as doorways and windowsills.

Use household spices as ant deterrents. Ants dislike bitter, pungent, or spicy substances. Sprinkle spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or cinnamon along doorjambs and window sills to create a barrier against ants.

Mark boundaries with chalk. Chalk and powders hinder ants' movements. Trace chalk lines along porch steps, window sills, and other entry points. Additionally, seal cracks with a caulk gun to prevent ant entry.

Plant ant-repelling herbs. Establish a natural barrier with herbs like mint, tansy, and yarrow around your home. Consider creating garden areas or window planters. Venus fly traps are also effective and add a unique touch to kitchens.

Trim shrubs near your home. Cut back overgrown shrubs and plants around your house to eliminate ant hiding spots. Remove branches that touch your home and inspect for ant nests while pruning.