Price: $9.57
(as of Mar 07, 2026 09:27:07 UTC – Details)
Compare to Prilosec OTC. Stop the painful burning sensation of frequent heartburn before it begins with Amazon Basic Care Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg. Omeprazole is the #1 Active Ingredient for Frequent Heartburn (based on iRi sales volume among PPI products sold in the United States, for the 52 weeks ending 01/01/23). When used as directed for 14 days, Omeprazole prevents heartburn that is frequent in nature and provides long-lasting, 24-hour relief so you can enjoy every moment with family and friends. This heartburn medicine may take one to four days for full effect, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), like Omeprazole, work differently from antacid tablets and other acid reducer pills. These heartburn relief treatments only neutralize the stomach acid and provide shorter relief (less than 24 hours). Omeprazole stops acid production at the source, preventing the acid that causes heartburn symptoms for relief that lasts all day and night. This heartburn medicine is a 14-day course of treatment that should be taken once every 24 hours for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn flare-ups. For adults 18 years and older suffering from frequent heartburn that occurs two or more days a week.
Product Dimensions : 4.72 x 2.99 x 3.85 inches; 2.08 ounces
Item model number : DFDSD-324123
Date First Available : July 28, 2017
Manufacturer : Amazon.com Services, LLC.
ASIN : B074F1RWV9
Best Sellers Rank: #122 in Health & Household (See Top 100 in Health & Household) #1 in Antacids
Customer Reviews: 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (58,721) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: The active ingredient in these delayed release tablets is omeprazole 20 mg, which works as an acid reducer to treat frequent heartburn. Compare to Prilosec OTC
TREATS FREQUENT HEARTBURN: Amazon Basic Care Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg treat frequent heartburn that occurs 2 or more times a week
ACID REDUCER: Amazon Basic Care Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) that deactivates pumps in the stomach lining to inhibit acid production at the source.
14-DAY COURSE OF HEARTBURN TREATMENT: Taken once every 24 hours for 14 days, Amazon Basic Care Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg is not intended for immediate relief of heartburn and may take 1 to 4 days for full effect.
HEARTBURN TIPS: Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause heartburn, such as rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and even some fruits and vegetables.
Product may be manufactured in India or Israel
Amazon Basic Care Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablets 20 mg, Treats Frequent Heartburn, Acid Reducer, Heartburn Medicine, 42 Count (Pack of 1) (Packaging may vary)
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Porcelain/Silver, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Price: $159.95 - $130.15
(as of Mar 06, 2026 21:25:08 UTC – Details)
Give your routine a boost with Fitbit Charge 6 the only fitness tracker with Google built in. Charge 6 has your essentials—like YouTube Music, Google Maps and Google Wallet—plus the fitness tools you need to crush your goals. From staying motivated and tracking your daily progress to tuning in and taking care*, running your day and your routine has never been easier. *Google apps and services are not available in all countries or languages. Data rates may apply.
Fitbit Charge 6 tracks key metrics from calories and Active Zone Minutes to Daily Readiness and sleep[4]; move more with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate, automatic exercising tracking, and more
See your heart rate in real time when you link your Charge 6 to compatible exercise machines, like treadmills, ellipticals, and more[5]; and stay connected with YouTube Music controls[6]
Explore advanced health insights with Fitbit Charge 6; track your response to stress with a stress management score; learn about the quality of your sleep with a personalized nightly Sleep Score; and wake up more naturally with the Smart Wake alarm
Find your way seamlessly during runs or rides with turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps on Fitbit Charge 6[7,8]; and when you need a snack break on the go, just tap to pay with Google Wallet[8,9]
Please refer to the “Legal” section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g., [1], [2], etc
What I Think About Red Light Therapy (and Why It’s Changed)
I first wrote about red light therapy more than a decade ago, long before it became trendy on social media. At the time, I was deep in my own healing journey with Hashimoto’s, trying to understand why my body felt so depleted and what I could do to support it at the root level.
Red light therapy was one of the tools I used during that season. And while I still believe it can be incredibly helpful, my perspective has shifted. I no longer see it primarily as a “device-based therapy.” Instead, I see red light as part of a much bigger conversation about light and mitochondria. Especially how disconnected many of us have become from the natural light environment our bodies were designed for.
While red light devices are still a powerful tool, there’s an even easier and simpler solution to get the benefits.
What Red Light Therapy Actually Is (Without the Overwhelm)
Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, refers to using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to influence how our cells work. The cellular function part is important, because this isn’t just about shining a red glow on your skin. It’s about how light interacts with our biology at the most foundational level.
The most commonly discussed wavelengths fall into two ranges:
- 620–700 nanometers (visible red light)
- 700–1100 nanometers (near-infrared light)
These ranges matter because they penetrate tissues differently and interact with the body in distinct ways. To understand why that’s important, we need to zoom into mitochondria.
The Mitochondria Connection
When I was recovering from Hashimoto’s, I became fascinated by mitochondria. We often hear them described as the powerhouses of the cell, but that label barely scratches the surface. I’ve come to think of them as tiny solar power plants. They’re constantly responding to environmental inputs, including light.
Inside the mitochondria is an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). It plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is the final step in producing ATP, the usable energy currency of the cell. When ATP production is impaired, we feel it in fatigue, slower healing, poor stress resilience, and all the subtle signs that the body is struggling.
Nitric oxide, which is beneficial in the right places (like supporting blood vessel dilation), can sometimes bind to CcO and slow down energy production. In that context, it acts almost like a brake. Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by CcO. When this happens, the light can displace nitric oxide in a process called photodissociation. Once nitric oxide is freed, electron flow improves, mitochondrial membrane potential increases, and ATP production rises.
In simpler terms, the cell’s battery charges more efficiently.
When I first understood this mechanism, it clicked for me why light exposure could have such far-reaching effects. During my healing process, supporting mitochondrial function was a priority, and red light became one of several ways I approached that.
Repair Signals Beneath the Surface
The ATP boost is just one piece of the story. Red light also triggers secondary signaling pathways that influence inflammation, repair, and cellular resilience. There’s often a brief increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). While we often think of ROS as harmful, in this controlled context they act as a signal rather than damage. They can activate antioxidant pathways and help regulate the body’s internal cleanup systems.
Red light also influences calcium signaling inside cells. Small shifts in calcium inside our cells act as a communication system. They tell the nucleus to coordinate protein production, tissue repair, and reduce inflammation.
This is one reason why I’ve lately been really focusing on sending my body safety signals. When our body feels safe it can repair and regenerate. Light, especially in the right wavelengths can be one of those safety signals.
Not All Red Light Is the Same
One thing I’ve learned over years of researching and testing is that wavelength matters. A lot.
Visible red light in the 620–670 nm range tends to be absorbed more superficially. This is why it’s often used for skin health, like fine lines, superficial wounds, and boosting collagen production. These wavelengths only go a few millimeters to about a centimeter into the body. When I started using a red light panel I noticed firmer skin and my old C-section scar was healing better.
Near-infrared light, especially in the 800–850 nm range, penetrates deeper. This makes it a better choice for muscles, tendons, joints, and even peripheral nerves. Around 810–830 nm is often considered the sweet spot because it interacts well with CcO while still reaching deeper tissues.
During my Hashimoto’s recovery, I experimented with both ranges. I used red light for skin and surface-level support and near-infrared light over deeper tissues, including my thyroid area. I cycled sessions and paid close attention to how I felt, because these effects are hormetic. Meaning a little can be helpful, but more is not necessarily better.
This experience taught me something important: red light works best when used thoughtfully and in context.
What the Research Says (And Where It’s Still Growing)
There are some great studies that support red light therapy for musculoskeletal pain and recovery, especially in athletes. Some studies show improvements in inflammation markers and pain scores (with appropriate wavelengths and doses).
There’s also emerging research in oral health and mucosal healing, which I find especially interesting. Seeing dentistry adopt red light protocols reinforces that this isn’t just a wellness trend. It’s being taken seriously in clinical settings.
At the same time, it’s not a cure-all. Results depend heavily on wavelength, dose, distance, timing, and consistency. In my experience, disappointment often comes from using the wrong parameters or expecting it to replace foundational habits. Red light is an adjunct to health, not a substitute for the basics.
Here Comes the Sun
As I’ve written and podcasted more about circadian biology, I’ve become increasingly convinced that our overall light environment may be even more important than any single therapy.
Sunrise and sunset are uniquely rich in red and near-infrared light. During these times, sunlight travels through more of the atmosphere. This filters out much of the ultraviolet spectrum and shifts the light composition toward red and near-infrared wavelengths. This means we can access these beneficial wavelengths daily, for free.
My morning routine now almost always includes stepping outside within an hour of sunrise. It’s become one of my non-negotiables. I do this without glasses, contacts, or sunglasses and not through a window, since glass filters parts of the light spectrum. I don’t stare directly at the sun, but I allow the ambient light to reach my eyes.
I often pair this with hydration, gentle movement, or simply standing barefoot on the grass. Over time, I’ve noticed that by prioritizing morning light, my sleep is better, my energy feels more stable, and my stress resilience is better.
Sunset has also become a meaningful daily ritual. Spending 10 to 20 minutes outside before dusk helps tell our bodies to wind down for the evening. Afterward, I dim indoor lights (they’re on a timer) and avoid bright overhead lighting as much as possible. This shift of prioritizing natural light at the bookends of the day has had a greater overall impact than any device alone.
When Devices Can Still Be Helpful
That said, I have not thrown out my red light devices. In fact, I’ve actually added to my collection! I consider these red light devices as a supplement to what I’m already doing. If you’re looking for a red light device I recommend paying attention to:
- Wavelength
- Irradiance (intensity at the surface)
- Total energy dose
- Distance from the body
- Session duration
Most effective sessions are relatively short, often five to fifteen minutes. For skin support, studies commonly use 630–660 nm several times per week. For joint and muscle recovery, 800–850 nm is typical, often used multiple times weekly for a few weeks before tapering down.
My Favorite Red Light Therapy Devices
During my healing phase, I used devices more frequently and cycled them strategically. Now, I use them as needed, for muscle soreness, targeted recovery, or occasional skin support. However, they’re never a replacement for time outdoors. I’ve also started using this red light toothbrush for better oral health.
Here are the ones that I’ve personally tried and recommend:
Safety, Context, and Listening to Your Body
Researchers have looked at red and near-infrared light for eye health, but I’m cautious about high-intensity exposure directly into the eyes. I don’t stare directly into the red light panels, but I do keep my eyes open while I’m facing sideways. I also pay attention to heat with higher near-infrared wavelengths.
As always, anyone pregnant, undergoing cancer care, using photosensitizing medications, or managing a complex medical condition should work with a practitioner who understands their case.
One of the biggest lessons from my own journey is that bio-individuality matters. What supported me during Hashimoto’s recovery may need to be adapted for someone else.
Final Thoughts: Start With the Sun
After more than a decade of writing about red light therapy, testing devices, and using it personally, my approach is simpler than it used to be. Try starting with sunrise then add sunset. Natural light exposure can be a daily habit before layering on anything else.
Red light therapy is not a hoax, and it’s not magic. The mechanisms are real, and the research is promising. But it works best along with light signalling from the sun and foundational changes (like drinking enough water.)
For me, red light was one supportive piece of my Hashimoto’s recovery. I still continue using red light devices as a supplement, but I mainly get it from sunrise and sunset exposure. The more I pursue wellness the more I’ve discovered that it’s not about the fancy devices, but getting our body in alignment with natural rhythms.
Have you ever experimented with red light therapy before? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
21 Small Front Yard Landscaping Ideas that Needs Low Maintenance
We all want to have an attractive front yard, but with limited space it can be hard to decide what to plant and where to place things without making the space look crowded.
Though challenging, making your small front yard beautiful can be easy with a smart layout, few vibrant plants and some creative touches.
Instead of filling the space with too many plants or decorations, focus on a few pieces that stand out, like a neat pathway, colorful flowers, or a decorative planter.
Small, thoughtful touches can make your front yard feel welcoming and full of charm without needing a lot of space.
22 Small Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
Unlike my neighbors who decorated their portico with concrete, I prefer to add fresh plants, flowers, and a few natural touches to my front yard.
It makes the space feel more lively and welcoming instead of plain and hard.
Here are some design ideas you can try. Everyone has their own taste, but I hope you’ll find some ideas here that you really like.
1. Create a Small Flower Bed Near the Entrance
A small flower bed near your entrance can instantly make your front yard feel warm and welcoming. You don’t need a large space—just a small patch along the walkway, porch, or near the front door can work well. Plant a mix of colorful flowers and a few green plants to add life and brightness.
You can also add edging stones or a small border to keep the bed neat and well-defined. This simple touch helps the flowers stand out and gives your front yard a clean, charming look that visitors will notice right away.
2. Add a Curved Garden Path
A curved garden path can make a small front yard feel more interesting and inviting. Instead of a straight walkway, a gentle curve adds movement and draws the eye through the space. You can use materials like stepping stones, bricks, or gravel to create a simple and natural path.
Plant low flowers or small shrubs along the edges of the path to soften the look and add color. This small design detail can make your front yard feel more charming while guiding visitors nicely to your entrance.
Also Read: 60 Popular Cut Flower Garden Ideas
3. Add a Small Tree as a Focal Point
Even a small front yard can benefit from a single tree as a focal point. A compact ornamental tree can add height, shade, and a natural charm to the space without making it feel crowded.
You can surround the base of the tree with low shrubs, colorful flowers, or decorative stones to create a neat and balanced look. This simple arrangement helps the yard feel more lively and gives your front yard a pleasant, eye-catching feature.
4. Line the Walkway with Flowers
A simple way to brighten up a small front yard is to plant flowers along the walkway. Colorful blooms on both sides of the path can make the entrance look cheerful and welcoming. Even a narrow strip of soil is enough to grow small flowers and low plants.
Choose flowers with different colors and blooming seasons so the walkway stays lively for most of the year. This easy idea can add charm and make the path to your home feel more inviting.
5. Use Decorative Pots and Planters
Decorative pots and planters are a great option when space is limited. You can place them near the front door, along the steps, or beside the porch to add color and greenery without needing a garden bed.
Mix different pot sizes and plant flowers, small shrubs, or even ornamental grasses. Planters also give you the freedom to change plants whenever you like, making it easy to refresh the look of your front yard.
6. Add Low Evergreen Shrubs
Low evergreen shrubs are a great way to keep your front yard looking neat throughout the year. These plants stay green in every season and create a clean, structured look along the front of your house or walkway.
Plant them in a simple row along the foundation or around small garden beds. They require little maintenance and help make the yard look organized while adding a calm, natural touch.
7. Use Decorative Garden Edging
Garden edging is a simple way to make your front yard look tidy and well-designed. You can use materials like bricks, stones, or metal edging to clearly separate flower beds from the lawn or walkway.
This small detail helps keep plants contained and gives the garden a neat border. It also makes the landscaping look more finished and attractive without needing a lot of space.
8. Traditional Dense Green Flower Bed Along the Porch
A dense green flower bed along the porch can give your front yard a classic and welcoming look. Plant a mix of leafy green plants and a few flowering varieties to create a full, lush appearance right near the entrance.
Keeping the plants close together helps the bed look rich and vibrant without taking up much space. This traditional style works well for small front yards and adds a soft, natural touch to the front of your home.
9. Add a Small Rock Garden
A small rock garden can be a great addition to a compact front yard. You can arrange decorative stones with a few hardy plants like succulents or small shrubs to create a simple and natural look.
Rock gardens require little maintenance and can fit easily into a corner or near the entrance. This idea adds texture and interest to the yard while keeping the design clean and organized.
10. Plant Colorful Perennial Flowers
Perennial flowers are a great choice for a small front yard because they come back every year. Plant them in small groups near the walkway, along the porch, or in a flower bed to add bright colors to the space.
Choose flowers with different blooming times so your yard stays lively for a longer season. These plants help create a cheerful and attractive front yard without needing to replant every year.
11. Add a Simple Garden Border
A simple garden border can make a small front yard look neat and organized. You can use stones, bricks, or small edging plants to define the edges of your flower beds or lawn.
This small detail helps separate different areas of the yard and gives the landscaping a clean, finished look. It also makes the plants stand out more and improves the overall appearance of the space.
12. Create a Small Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed is a practical way to add plants to a small front yard. You can build one using wood, stone, or concrete blocks and fill it with flowers, shrubs, or ornamental plants.
Raised beds help keep the garden organized and make it easier to control the soil and plant growth. They also add a little height and structure to the yard, making the space look more interesting.
13. Plant Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses can add movement and texture to a small front yard. Their tall, soft blades create a natural look and work well along walkways, near fences, or in small garden beds.
These plants are usually easy to grow and require little care. Adding a few ornamental grasses can make the landscape feel more relaxed while still keeping the yard neat and attractive.
14. Add a Small Garden Bench
A small garden bench can make your front yard feel more welcoming and comfortable. Place it near the entrance, along a pathway, or beside a flower bed to create a simple sitting spot.
You can surround the bench with a few plants or flowers to make the area look cozy and inviting. Even in a small space, a bench can add charm and give the yard a peaceful, relaxing feel.
15. Plant a Hedge for a Neat Border
A small hedge can help define the edges of your front yard and give it a tidy appearance. Low hedges planted along the walkway, fence, or garden bed create a clean and organized look.
Regular trimming keeps the hedge in shape and prevents it from taking up too much space. This simple idea adds greenery while giving your front yard a well-maintained and structured style.
16. Add a Decorative Garden Statue
A small garden statue can give your front yard a unique and personal touch. You can place it in the center of a flower bed or near the entrance to create a simple focal point.
Choose a design that matches the style of your garden, such as a classic stone figure, a small animal statue, or a modern decorative piece. This small addition can make the yard feel more interesting and welcoming.
17. Create a Small Gravel Area
A gravel area can be a practical and attractive feature in a small front yard. It works well as a simple ground cover around plants, along walkways, or in a small corner of the yard.
Gravel helps keep the area neat and reduces the need for regular maintenance. You can also place a few plants or decorative stones in the space to make it look more natural and balanced.
Check this: 12 Low Budget Backyard Designs with Gravel
18. Add Climbing Plants on a Trellis
Climbing plants are a great way to add greenery without using much ground space. You can place a small trellis near the porch, wall, or fence and let the plants grow upward.
Plants like flowering vines or climbing roses can create a soft and beautiful look as they grow. This idea helps bring more life to your front yard while keeping the space open and organized.
19. Use Mulch in Garden Beds
Adding mulch to your flower beds can make your front yard look neat and well maintained. Mulch helps keep the soil moist, reduces weeds, and gives the garden a clean appearance.
You can spread wood chips, bark mulch, or small stones around your plants. This simple step improves the look of the garden and also helps your plants grow better.
20. Add Window Flower Boxes
Window flower boxes can bring color and charm to the front of your home. Placing them under your front windows allows flowers and small plants to brighten up the space without using yard area.
Choose flowers with vibrant colors or trailing plants that gently spill over the edges. This simple addition can make the front of your house look more lively and welcoming.
21. Keep a Small Lawn Area
Even in a small front yard, keeping a small patch of lawn can make the space feel open and fresh. A neat green lawn creates a clean base that balances well with plants, flowers, and garden beds.
Regular trimming and simple care will keep the lawn looking tidy. This small green area can make your front yard feel more spacious and pleasant.
Also Read: 6 Low Budget Backyard Privacy Ideas
Conclusion
A small front yard may not offer a lot of space, but with the right ideas it can still look beautiful and inviting. Simple touches like flower beds, neat pathways, small trees, and decorative planters can make a big difference in how the space feels.
The key is to keep the design clean and choose plants or features that match your taste. With a little planning and creativity, even a compact front yard can become a charming and welcoming entrance to your home.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Gold/Coral, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Price: $159.95 - $130.68
(as of Mar 06, 2026 09:23:20 UTC – Details)
Give your routine a boost with Fitbit Charge 6 the only fitness tracker with Google built in. Charge 6 has your essentials—like YouTube Music, Google Maps and Google Wallet—plus the fitness tools you need to crush your goals. From staying motivated and tracking your daily progress to tuning in and taking care*, running your day and your routine has never been easier. *Google apps and services are not available in all countries or languages. Data rates may apply.
Fitbit Charge 6 tracks key metrics from calories and Active Zone Minutes to Daily Readiness and sleep[4]; move more with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate, automatic exercising tracking, and more
See your heart rate in real time when you link your Charge 6 to compatible exercise machines, like treadmills, ellipticals, and more[5]; and stay connected with YouTube Music controls[6]
Explore advanced health insights with Fitbit Charge 6; track your response to stress with a stress management score; learn about the quality of your sleep with a personalized nightly Sleep Score; and wake up more naturally with the Smart Wake alarm
Find your way seamlessly during runs or rides with turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps on Fitbit Charge 6[7,8]; and when you need a snack break on the go, just tap to pay with Google Wallet[8,9]
Please refer to the “Legal” section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g., [1], [2], etc
How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally
Ants, ants, everywhere! Those pesky insects have a way of finding every little crack and opening right into your home. When spring comes around I’ll see an ant scout here and there and I want to nip it in the bud before they take over my life (and my kitchen counter).
Every spring I start getting questions about how to get rid of ants in the house, especially when they show up quickly and seem to multiply overnight. Sometimes they’re tiny and barely noticeable. Sometimes they’re small black ants marching in a perfect line. Occasionally they even have wings.
With little kids and pets spending plenty of time on the floor, I’m not about to sprinkle a pesticide around my home that will put them in danger.
But the ants…
Thankfully there are plenty of ways to get rid of ants without putting your family at risk. I’ve talked before about natural pest control, but today I am going to focus specifically on ants. How to get rid of ants in the kitchen, how to get rid of ants permanently, and even how to get rid of carpenter ants (if you suspect a larger infestation).
How Do Ants Come Into the House?
Ant colonies send out scouts to locate food sources. Those little bugs will zig and zag and probe their way until they find food to bring back to their colony, leaving a trail of pheromones behind them. Other ants will follow the trail leaving their own pheromones, making the trail stronger. Eventually all the little foragers are marching along, back and forth, taking all your goodies back to their home.
Fascinating and annoying all at once.
If you’ve ever wondered why you see one ant and then suddenly dozens, this is why. That single scout found something appealing on your counter, under the stove, or even tucked behind a plant on the windowsill. Soon, the whole crew is trekking inside your house like they’ve decided to move in.
And it isn’t always obvious what they’re after. Sugar ants are often blamed for invading our honey jars or maple syrup, but ants are opportunistic. They’ll go after crumbs in the carpet, sticky spots on the floor, pet food bowls, and even residue left in the bathroom. I’ve found them near toothpaste drips and damp areas more than once.
Understanding how they operate is the first step in learning how to get rid of ants in the house for good.
How to Get Rid of Ants (Naturally, of Course!)
There are several approaches to naturally get rid of ants. First, repel them from coming into your home in the first place, then control and eradicate them once they are in. Finally, kill them at their source.
If you’re dealing with a larger species like carpenter ants (which can damage wood in bedroom walls or other structural areas), your strategy may need to be more aggressive. I’ll touch more on how to get rid of carpenter ants specifically below. For most common household ants, though, prevention is the best place to start.
How to Repel Ants
The first step is to make sure any sweet ingredients in your home are sealed tight. Clean up the dribbles down the side of the honey jar and make sure your maple syrup lid is on tight. It’s also recommended to keep floors swept and all counters free of any food or drips, but that’s not usually practical or possible in a busy home like mine. Just do the best you can with this one.
When I’m focused on how to get rid of ants in kitchen, I pay special attention to:
- Crumbs under appliance
- Sticky cabinet handles
- Pet food dishes
- The trash can area
- Any food prep areas on the counter
Even a small smear can attract a line of tiny visitors. Some ants are attracted to oils or proteins, so pay attention to all food, not just sugary ones. Here are some more ideas to prevent ants from coming into your home:
Create a Barrier
Many people have luck creating a barrier of something ants generally don’t like or won’t cross. Some examples would be drawing a chalk line or sprinkling cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds along common entry points.
This works especially well along door thresholds, window sills, and baseboards. If you’ve noticed ants coming in from the yard or from cracks that lead outside, treat those spots first.
- Citrus Peels – Ants are also repelled by citrus (plus it smells great!). Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc. contain D-limonene, which is effective at killing ants. I like to save my orange or lemon peels and dry them out. I’ll then pulse them in the food processor to make a powder and sprinkle this along entry points in the home. You can also sprinkle these around your garden or near plants outside.
- Essential Oils – I’ve had good results deterring ants that were determined to come in under my screen door with an essential oil spray. Fill a small spray bottle with water and add about 20 drops of peppermint oil. Shake well and spray along doorways and window sills. It repels the ants and covers the scent of any food and pheromones.
- Cotton Balls – You can also put several drops of peppermint, orange, or lemon oil on a cotton ball and place it in cabinets to deter ants from snooping around in search of food. This is one of my go-to methods when I want to deal with the problem quickly, especially if I notice them trailing across the kitchen floor.
- Vinegar – Spraying vinegar along doorways and window sills is another option. This has the same effect as the peppermint oil spray. Mix vinegar 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. Add peppermint oil or a citrus oil to make it even more effective. You can also soak citrus peels in the vinegar for a few weeks, strain, then use this vinegar to spray with. Vinegar is especially helpful for erasing pheromone trails so other black ants or sugar ants can’t follow the same path.
What if Ants Are Already In Your Home?
The ants are already in. Now what?
First, find out where they’re coming in from and where they’re going so you can figure out the best way to tackle their removal. Something attracted them and that will need to be cleaned up. Then find their entry point so that you can use one of the tips from above.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of ants in the house, this detective work is essential. Are they in the kitchen? The bathroom? Crawling along a baseboard in the bedroom? I once found a trail disappearing behind a bookshelf in the living room, and sure enough, there was a tiny gap in the trim that led to the outside.
Once you’ve found point A and point B, move on to clean up. You’ll obviously need to remove the ants from your counter, floor, cabinet or wherever they are. You can wipe them up with a cloth (or paper towel if you don’t want to try to remove them from your cloth).
It’s also really important to remove the pheromone trail. You can use soapy water, a 50/50 water and vinegar mix, or the essential oil spray. If you don’t clean up the trail, other ants will be able to find the same food source.
How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently (By Targeting the Colony)
I don’t know about you, but my first instinct is to kill any bugs I see in my house (or call for my adventurous daughter to do it for me). However, this may not always be the most effective way to rid your home of ants in the long term.
If you truly want to know how to get rid of ants permanently, you have to think bigger than the few crawling across your floor. The real goal is eliminating the colony. Although, there are some reports that if an ant smells another ant that’s been squished, they’ll alert the colony of the danger and stay away.
The most effective way is to make an ant poison they will take back to their colony and feed to all of their friends. It requires a little bit of patience but pays off in the end.
Option 1: Borax Ant Trap
This doesn’t immediately remove the ants from your kitchen, but it works well in the long term. It may seem like it attracts more at first, which is actually a good thing here Borax helps eliminate the entire colony and not just the ants entering your home.
Mix equal parts Borax and corn syrup and spread it on an index card. The ants are attracted to the corn syrup and carry it back to their nest. All the ants that feed on the corn syrup mixture will be killed by the Borax. I’ll put this in a location away from curious pets and kids. (I cover the safety of using Borax here.)
If you’re searching for how to get rid of carpenter ants, this method can also be helpful, though carpenter ants sometimes require locating and directly treating their nest in wood structures as well.
Option 2: Baking Soda
If you’re uncomfortable with Borax, you can try baking soda. Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar and place it in a lid near where you think the ants are coming in. The powdered sugar will attract them, but since they’re unable to differentiate between the sugar and the baking soda, they will carry both back to their nest.
When ants eat baking soda it reacts with the acidic substance in their bodies and is fatal to them. Again, not an immediate fix, but very beneficial in the long term.
Other Ant Killing Tips to Try
Castile soap will also compromise the waxy coating that protects the ants. Make a spray with 1 quart water and 1/4 cup liquid castile soap. Spray along doorways and window sills and anywhere else you see ants coming in. Repeat several times a day until the problem is resolved.
Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth is highly effective at getting rid of ants and other pests that crawl, rather than fly. This includes most black ants and other small household varieties, though not typically flying ant scouts until they land.
DE is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. Because it’s so fine, it’s perfectly safe for humans and animals and is actually beneficial to consume. Ants, however, become dehydrated when they come into contact with DE because it damages their waxy coating which will kill them. They won’t take it back to their colony but it will stop them from making any progress into your home.
Sprinkle DE along doorways and window sills, and any other points of entry, in trash cans, and along cabinets and baseboards. I have also sprinkled it liberally on my carpet during a particularly bad ant invasion. After a few days the ants were gone and I just vacuumed up the DE.
Use extreme care if you will be using this outside and avoid any areas that may have honey bees. The DE will stick to their legs and they will consume it when they’re grooming. DE is sharp to small insects and will kill them. We want to kill the ants and fleas, but NOT the honey bees!
A Quick Note on Flying Ants and Wings
If you notice ants with wings gathering near windows or light fixtures, you may be seeing reproductive ants. These can sometimes be confused with termites. If you’re unsure, it may be worth having a professional identify them, especially if you suspect structural damage.
In many cases, though, it means the colony is reproducing and taking out the whole colony will resolve the issue (see methods above).
Dealing With More Than Ants?
If you have other pests plaguing you there are other natural pest control options for your home and some organic ideas for your garden and yard.
Ants are persistent, but they’re not invincible. With a bit of patience, you can learn how to get rid of ants in the house and kitchen, and even how to get rid of ants permanently without compromising your family’s health. If you’ve ever dealt with ants popping up in the house, these tried and true methods can really make a difference.
How do you deal with ants? Did I miss any effective tips that have worked for you? Leave a comment and let us know!
How to Grow and Care for Flowering Maple (Abutilon)
Flowering maples can tolerate too much water for a short time, but lack of moisture will stress or even kill them.
Temperature
Even though abutilons make happy houseplants, they flower and perform best if allowed to experience a period of chilly temperatures in the winter.
Not freezing, of course, but temperatures around 50 to 60°F for part of the day during the winter. During the growing season, don’t worry about the heat.
While temperatures around 60 to 70°F are ideal, flowering maples will tolerate outside of this range as well.
You can grow them outdoors year-round in Zones 9 to 10 and some in Zone 8. I grow my hybrid, ‘Red Tiger,’ in Zone 8b.
It has even been exposed to a hard freeze multiple times and on it carries.
A few times, it has lost a few branches, but I trim these off and it always rebounds spectacularly in the spring.
Fertilizer
Part of what makes abutilon so charming is its near-constant flowering. But that also makes it a hungry plant.
You might need to feed as often as twice a month during the spring, summer, and fall.
If you haven’t tested your soil or you’re using a potting mixture, just go for a product formulated for flowering plants. A houseplant food works, too.
You want a fertilizer that has more phosphorus than nitrogen or potassium.
Down to Earth’s Rose & Flower fits the bill, with an NPK ratio of 4-8-4. It can be used indoors and out.
You can find it in one-, five-, and 15-pound boxes available at Arbico Organics.
Species and Cultivars
The various hybrids are classified as Abutilon Hybridum (A. × hybridum) and often come from unknown parentage, though they likely include some redvein (A. pictum), Darwin’s (A. darwinii), or trailing (C. magapotamica) in their lineage. Most are frost tender.
There are a few lesser-known species, like Chilean mallow (C. vitifolium) that are hard to find, but worth seeking out.
The flowers on this species look like hibiscus and the shrub itself grows to 25 feet or more.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Bella
Bell is a hybrid abutilon series in shades ranging from creamy yellow to deep red, with apricot, pink, and orange in between.
Bred to stay petite, they only grow to about 18 inches tall, which makes them ideal for growing as houseplants.
Canary Bird
‘Canary Bird’ has bright yellow blossoms that linger on the branches for a good long while.
The shrub itself grows to about 15 feet tall outdoors, though you can grow it indoors, where it will stay much smaller.
The Royal Horticultural Society gave ‘Canary Bird’ the coveted Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Gold Dust
‘Gold Dust’ is a charming hybrid that features large orange blossoms with dark red veins.
The leaves are speckled in yellow on a green base, giving it extra visual appeal even when it’s not in bloom, which is rare.
This abutilon stays under 10 feet tall and wide outdoors, making it an appealing option for growing indoors as a houseplant, as it will stay more compact that many others.
The variegated foliage also means that it thrives in lower light than other varieties.
Nabob
A cross between a redvein (A. pictum) and a trailing (C. megapotamica), ‘Nabob’ has glossy, dark green foliage and large, deep maroon flowers.
Outdoors, it will reach up to 10 feet tall, and about half that indoors. Of course, you can always prune it to whatever smaller size you like.
‘Nabob’ was given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.
Orange Hot Lava
This abutilon hybrid featuring C. megapotamica parentage is a stunner.
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Roses and More in Connie’s Montana Garden
Hi GPODers!
There are many different kinds of gardeners, but some would argue that we all fall into one of two camps: designers or collectors. While designers focus more on the bigger picture and how all of their plants will come together (even if that means planting a lot of the same plant for cohesion and coordination), a collector strives to acquire every plant that they find interesting and worries about arrangement later. However, I would argue that most of us fall somewhere in the middle, and Connie Klingaman in Helena, Montana (Zone 3/4) is a perfect example of that. Connie has decades of gardening experience and certainly knows how to craft a stunning landscape design, but also has acquired a fascinating and wide range of plants over the years.
I’ve been gardening for over 40 years, this latest garden is 9 years growing. I have over 350 cultivars of trees, shrubs, perennials, and roses, and a vegetable garden. I’ve been growing roses here after hearing that you can’t grow roses in Montana, over 40 varieties. And just about anything else that will possibly grow here! Besides roses, my favorite plants to grow are flowering trees, from lindens to crabapples to hawthorns. Two years ago we had a several snowstorms where the snow melted and formed a layer of ice over everything. I lost more plants than ever before, even iris and several young trees that are normally perfectly hardy. Usually, we have no snow cover so dryness is a bigger issue. But one thing my gardens do for me is to keep me young, hopeful and stronger and it’s an outlet for my creativity. All the iron work, fences, and art in the garden are made by my husband and I. About an acre and a half of gardens and lawns will do that! There are many pictures of my gardens on Facebook at Terra Bella Tales and a stories on terrabellatales.com. Welcome to Montana!
Our front sidewalk of stamped concrete: Marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens, Zones 10–11 or as an annual), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum, Zones 4–8), pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia, Zones 3–8), armeria, ‘Biokovo’ geranium (Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’, Zones 4–8), dianthus, ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius, Zones 4–8), ‘New Hampshire Purple’ geranium (Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’, Zones 3–8), ‘Sparkling Star’ peony (Paeonia ‘Sparkling Star’, Zones 3–8), and iris
This garden gets shade most of the day, the plants are: hostas, black snakeroot (Actaea racemosa, Zones 3–8), viburnum, bee balm (Monarda didyma, Zones 4–9), ‘White Nancy’ lamium (Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’, Zones 3–8), ‘Montrose White’ calamint (Calamintha nepeta ‘Montrose White’, Zones 5–9), veronicastrum, obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana, Zones 3–9), and ‘Thunderchild’ crabapple (Malus ‘Thunderchild’, Zones 3–7).
A perfect after storm light, plants are Turkestan burning bush (Euonymus nanus ‘Turkestanicus’, Zones 3–7), purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea, Zones 3–9), ‘Canada Red’ chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’, Zones 2–10), ‘Spring Snow’ crabapple (Malus ‘Spring Snow’, Zones 4–8), alpine currant (Ribes alpinum, Zones 2–7).
A rare August foggy morning-the plants are ‘David’ phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘David’, Zones 3–8), purple coneflower, ‘Overdam’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’, Zones 4–9), yellow columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha, Zones 4–9), rudbeckia, ‘Morden Sunrise’ rose (Rosa ‘Morden Sunrise’, Zones 3–7), ‘Baby Joe’ Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium dubium ‘Baby Joe’, Zones 3–9), mock orange, ‘Miss Kim’ lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’, Zones 4–8), ‘Lemon Queen’ sunflower (Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’, Zones 4–9), Diabolo® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’, Zones 3–7), dogwood and annual coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria, annual).
Sunrise Garden on the east side of my front yard, plants are: Thornless cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis, Zones 3–7), lobelia,’Snowdrift’ rose (Rosa ‘BAIrift’, Zones 4–9), ‘Double Down Orange’ rose (Rosa ‘JACedocaing’, Zones 5–9), Mandarin Tango® potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa ‘Jefman’, Zones 2–6), baptisia, ‘Bleeding Hearts’ false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Bleeding Hearts’, Zones 3–9).
Hot sun area on the south side of my sun/plant room. From left to right: Above and Beyond™ rose (Rosa ‘ZLEEltonStrack’, Zones 3–7) just starting it’s second bloom in September, ‘Moonshine’ yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’, Zones 3–9), zauschneria, ‘Smoky Hills’ skullcap (Scutellaria resinosa ‘Smoky Hills’, Zones 4–9), ‘Champlain’ rose (Rosa ‘Champlain’, Zones 3–8), sedum, Kannah Creek® buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var. aureum ‘Psdowns’, Zones 3–8), ‘Bill Reid’ rose (Rosa ‘Bill Reid’, Zones 3–9), ‘Denim ’N Lace’ Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Denim ‘n Lace’, Zones 4–9) and lavender.
Two bees on an Iceland poppy (Oreomecon nudicaulis syn. Papaver nudicaule, Zones 3–10), they bloom for months here.
‘Hope for Humanity’ rose (Rosa ‘Hope for Humanity’, Zones 3–9) and a Hot Wings® Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum ‘Garann’, Zones 4–10) behind it. A little symbol of my love for plants and the Boulder Mountains in the distance.
And a poem I wrote that speaks to all gardeners I should hope! Complete with a Fibonacci spiral found everywhere in nature-check out those unfurling fern fronds.
Thank you so much for sharing your stunning garden with us, Connie! Your passion for plants is palpable, and the landscape you have crafted is something any gardener can envy.
What plants have defied expectations in your garden? Have you made a plant work that is considered impossible to grow in your area or did you find joy in a species you never had interest in before? Let us know in the comments, or consider sharing photos of that plant putting on a peak performance in your garden. Follow the NEW directions below to submit your photos to Garden Photo of the Day!
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You can also send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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