foto: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Brilio.net - Ants that often come to sugar storage containers can be a very annoying problem in the kitchen. Even though it has been stored in a jar, sometimes ants can still find a way in and damage the quality of the sugar. The presence of these ants is not only annoying, but also poses a risk of food contamination.
The main problem that causes ants to enter the sugar jar is because the jar is not tightly closed or there is a small gap that is not visible. Ants have an extraordinary ability to detect sources of sweet food and can enter through the smallest gap. In addition, cleanliness around the sugar storage area also plays an important role. Leftover sugar scattered around the jar or on the table surface can be a strong attraction for ants.
To overcome this problem, it is important to ensure that the sugar jar has a lid that is really tight and airtight. In addition, some people also use some special tricks, such as soaking the jar in a container of water. This is considered to prevent ants from coming and entering the sugar jar.
But besides that technique, you can apply another technique that is no less effective for storing sugar. This technique was once shared by the owner of the Instagram account @lafina_indonesia. Through one of the videos uploaded, she admitted to only using a few simple tricks in storing sugar to keep it free from ants.
As reported by BrilioFood from the Instagram account @lafina_indonesia on Friday (8/11), there are three tricks that can be applied when storing sugar. Each of these tricks requires several kitchen ingredients that can be easily found. These kitchen ingredients will make ants really stay away from the jar or sugar storage place.
photo: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
The first trick, he uses pepper powder. So, the sugar jar that is going to be stored only needs to be placed on a tray or small plate. After that, take a little pepper powder and sprinkle this pepper around the plate. The pungent aroma of pepper will make ants stay away from the sugar jar.
photo: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Next, he uses vinegar. The method is, simply dissolve the vinegar with a little water. Then apply this vinegar water to the bottom of the jar lid or around the neck of the jar. Just like pepper, the smell of vinegar is also very pungent, so it makes ants reluctant to come.
photo: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
The last trick is to use cloves. Compared to the two tricks above, this method is more practical. You just need to put a few cloves into a jar of sugar. After that, close the jar tightly. That way, the sugar will be safer from ants.
All three of these ingredients have substances that naturally repel ants. Pepper, for example, contains the compound piperine, which has a strong, spicy aroma and taste. When ants smell pepper, it can disrupt the pheromone pathways they use to communicate and find food.
photo: Instagram/@lafina_indonesia
Meanwhile, ants rely on pheromones for navigation and communication, and the pungent smell of vinegar can disrupt their pheromone trails. In addition, vinegar can also erase the pheromone trails that the ants have left behind, causing them to lose their way and avoid the area.
On the other hand, cloves contain eugenol, a compound that has a strong and sharp aroma. The distinctive aroma of cloves can repel ants because it interferes with their sense of smell. Eugenol also has antiseptic properties and can be an irritant to ants, making them stay away from areas where cloves are present.
(brl/jad)
