The Malnad Cuisine of Chikamagalur

The Malnad cuisines is one of the undiscovered cuisines of India. Originated from the region of Karnataka, the cuisine of Malnad is known for its rich flavors and aroma. The cuisines got its name because of the heavy rainfall the area received. 'Malenadu' means 'The Land of Rain' in the local language. The Malnad cuisine has strong influence of the fresh and organic ingredients from the locale. These local ingredients that influence the cooking include the locally grown turmeric leaves, raw jackfruit, colocasia leaves, tender bamboo shoots, rice and the rest. The freshly ground masala from the local spices add the flavors to the cuisines.

The Malnad cuisines involves a cooking type which includes less oil and fresh spices. As compared to rest of the South Indian Cuisines, the Malnad Cuisines is mildly spiced. Oil usage is minimal in Malnad cooking, as steaming is more focused upon rather than frying foods. The use of rare ingredients such as tiny local edible mushrooms(akki alubu), tender bamboo shoots(kalule), red ants(chigli) as well as colocasia leaves make the Malnad cuisine one of its kind.  As any other South Indian fare, many chutneys and pickles make their way into your food plate. These pickles or chutneys are made with vegetables such as brinjal, lady finger, coconut, turmeric leaves, jack fruit and the rest.

Some of the healthy options to try out include:

Akki Roti - A rice flat bread.

Maamsa Saaru - Local mutton curry

Menthya Sasive - Gravy prepared with fenugreek seeds

Iddiyappam - Breakfast food cooked by steaming rice flour

Halbai - Dessert cooked with rice and jaggery

Kai Kadubu - Steamed dumplings filled with fresh coconut and jaggery.

Benne Kadubu - Rice dumplings

Neer Dosa - Breakfast crepe cooked with rice flour and coconut milk

Hurlisaru - A curry preparation with horse gram(kulith)

Though the serving of food on a green banana leaf may make it appear as any South Indian fare, yet, the strong and appealing cooking of Malnad has its own identity which is making Chikmagalur one of the destinations to visit. 

How to Reuse Oil For Cooking

reuse oil

Oil once used for frying should preferably not to be reused. But sometimes we use large quantities of oil for frying, usually when we have parties or expecting a lot of guests. On such occasions once frying is done, large amount of oil is leftover after frying. In such cases instead of throwing away the oil, here's how you can still reuse the cooking oil to maximum advantage. This can happen  if one ensures that the oil is looked after and handled carefully. Follow these few steps to reuse oil used for cooking and frying:

1. Once you are done using the oil for frying, turn off the flame and allow the oil to cool down completely.

2. Used oil often have bits of fried food particles settled at the bottom. Sometimes there is a cloud of light food particles that float as a layer on the used oil. So strain the oil a couple of times to clear it out of any such particles. Use a fine mesh to strain thin and tiny particles if you missed them before. Make sure that you strain the oil immediately after cooling down.

3. Store this oil in a dry and closed container. Make sure to use a clean container.

4. Don't store the reused oil for a longer duration.

5. Use the reused oil for the right cooking. For example, if the oil was used to fry non-vegetarian food items, then it is advisable to use it for cooking non-vegetarian foods only. But if you have fried veg pakoras in the oil, then reuse the oil to make both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes.

6. Use the oil in proper portions. The reused oil should be only used once.

7. Make sure that if you plan to reuse the oil for frying, then dispose it off once done. Do not reuse the oil again. There is a certain limitation for how many times you can keep frying in reused oil. Reusing oil again and again can have serious damage to your health.

Tip: Do not reuse the oil which has been used to deep fry large batches of food in a mixed variety. For example if you have fried many starters in the same oil for a party, it is advisable to discard such oil after use. Such oil should not be reused again. 

Top 10 Cancer Fighting Foods

Our daily diet reflects on our health! What we eat has a profound effect on our life and it's protection against diseases such as cancer. A healthy diet plays an important role in fighting disease. One can't just depend totally on medication and therapies for fighting diseases. Though they definitely help, yet introducing a healthy diet may work side by side to build a healthy 'you'. One has yet to learn the healing powers of foods. Though we have discovered many such super foods, which we try and introduce in our daily diet, yet their actual health benefits are far from known. The actual list of such super foods that can fight cancer is really very long. But here is a list of the top 10 cancer fighting  foods which are available easily and can help save you from the development of cancerous cells as well as work towards detoxification of your body. Even if we include two or three of these foods in our daily diet on a regular basis, it would work in maximizing your potential and protect your body by eliminating toxins.

Top 10 Cancer Fighting Foods

1. Pomegranates 

Including pomegranate in your daily diet would help you in the best way possible. Eating pomegranate regularly helps you fight the belly fat. The juice of pomegranate is said to be beneficial for restraining growth of cancerous cells and tumors especially prostate cancer and breast cancer. The ellagitannins that are present in the pomegranate fruit restrains the enzyme aromatose. Aromatose is an enzyme which is responsible for making estrogen in the body. Too much estrogen could relate in severe health related problems such as weight gain, liver problems, cancer and tumors.  The ellagitannins present inside pomegranate protects against breast cancer by suppressing the estrogen levels and also in the prevention of other cancer cells. Recent studies and research do indicate that super food pomegranate intake helps fight not just breast cancer but also lung cancer.

Tip: Pomegranates could be added to salads or enjoyed just as it is. Daily intake of pomegranate juice also fights cancer. 

2. Broccoli

Brocccoli may not be one of your choices while planning lunches and dinner, but remember broccoli is one of the super foods which can significantly eradicate the risks of breast cancer. Broccoli fights cancer as it contains sulforaphane which is an anti-inflammatory compound. Sulforaphane is a phytochemical which is also found in brussels sprouts as well as cabbages. Sulforaphane has the ability to kill cancer and is known as a potent antioxidant. Being one of the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli has gained quite an attention for its plethora of health benefits. Hence broccoli is one of the miracle foods that cure cancer.

Tip: Broccoli could be eaten in real simple ways by just steaming or sauteing it in olive oil. One could use broccoli in cooking by incorporating it in soups, casseroles, meat and other dishes. We can use most of everything from broccoli right from its florets and soft stems to its hardened base. 

3. Spinach

Spinach is one of the cancer fighting foods which has two potential carotenoids, viz - lutein and zeaxanthin that are known to reduce the risks of breast cancer. These carotenoids can also reduce the risk of stomach cancer, cancer of esophagus, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and mouth cancer. It is a strongest food that could fight cancerous cells of almost every type. The rich supply of vitamins, fiber, minerals and antioxidants in spinach could work favorably for your body if consumed abundantly. It is one of the powerful ally that can be used to fight and cure cancer. Recent research has shown that women who included spinach in their daily diet at least twice a week are less prone to breast cancer than women who didn't.

Tip: Replace iceberg by fresh spinach leaves in salads and wraps. Use spinach as side dish by tossing it lightly in olive oil with crushed garlic and salt. Make healthy spinach dip or incorporate super food spinach in stir-fried veggies, kebabs, pulao, dal, smoothies, juices and other cooking.

4. Olive Oil

Research has shown that the regular use of olive oil in our diet could really help prevent cancer. One of the compound found in extra virgin olive oil, known as Oleocanthal is said to have cancer fighting properties. It is said that oleocanthal present in olive oil is one of the promising compounds which could be responsible for killing cancer cells. But one should not confuse extra virgin olive oil with pomace oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains more amounts of cancer fighting phytochemicals compared to pomace oil because it is less processed. Extra virgin olive oil is the olive oil with highest oleocanthal content. An olive oil rich diet is correlated with the reduced risk of bowel cancer. Olive oil is one of the miracle foods that cure cancer as it has the property to kill cancerous cells without causing any harm to the healthy cells. Olive oil along with a Mediterranean diet can help fight and cure malignant melanoma which is one of the skin cancer types.

Tip: Use of extra virgin olive oil can be made in salads, pastas, sauces and other foods. Olive oil should never be used for frying food items. Olive oil is an healthy option for salad dressing and also in making mayonnaise or other dishes.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is known to be one of the most essential ingredients in Asian curries. More and more people are turning towards this ingredient for it's health benefits. It has been used as a medicine for it's healing properties and other health benefits. But research has also shown that turmeric can prevent or fight cancer. Turmeric spice contains an active anti-cancer compound known as curcumin. Curcumin is said to have chemo-preventive and radio-protective properties. The curcumin present inside turmeric is known to fight many types of cancer including bone cancer, thoracic cancers, ovarian cancer, cancers of liver, stomach, breast and skin. Been on the scientific radar for quite some time, turmeric is one of the wonder foods that can fight cancer.


Tip: Turmeric can be consumed by adding in curries and vegetable preparations. Additionally one could just add turmeric to hot water or hot milk and drink to achieve maximum benefits.

6.  Walnut

Walnut is one such miracle foods that cure cancer or help fighting it. It is said that most of the nuts are pertinent and inclusive into a cancer preventive diet. But most of all, walnuts fit the category well enough. Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acid namely alpha-linolenic acid which can down-regulate cell proliferation of prostate cancer cells, breast cancer cells and bladder cancer cells. Consumption of walnuts can interfere and discourage the development of cancer. In fact it could also instigate the death of cancer cells.

Tip: A handful of walnuts everyday can help more than one can imagine. Hence instead of craving on some junk food such as fries or chips, how about eating a handful of walnuts! Crushed or chopped walnuts can also be used as toppings for salads, ice-creams, milkshakes, cake toppings and other dishes.

7. Garlic

Garlic is one of the super foods that is known for its natural antioxidants. It has such super healing properties and is known to be an essential herb for healthier lifestyle. Garlic has tremendous potential when it comes to fighting cancer. Garlic is one of the most important cancer fighting herbs as it can detoxify the potential carcinogens. The phytochemicals present inside each and every clove of garlic fights and helps eradicate cancer. The sulfur compounds present within garlic can strengthen and stimulate our body's immune system and initiate our body's natural defense system against the cancerous cells by preventing its growth.

But instead of eating a whole garlic clove, it is recommended to crush or chop it. Crushed or chopped garlic is known to release allicin. Allicin is known to lower the risks of esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer. Recent research has shown that garlic compounds can produce reactive oxygen species in brain cancer cells which could gorge them to death. When included in daily diet by women, it could prevent and fight breast cancer.

Tip: Consuming 1 to 2 cloves of garlic per day could help in decreasing the risk of colon and stomach cancer. Garlic can be chopped and added to salads, sandwiches and wraps. Garlic oil is also known to have cancer fighting properties.

8. Green Tea

Green tea is said to be the best tea for cancer fighting patients. Green tea and the phenolic compounds present within it such as the 'Catechins' are potential antioxidants and natural phenol. The cancer preventive properties of catechins are studied and researched at. Apart from being a potential antioxidant the polyphenols in green tea exhibit anti-inflammatory properties as well as tumor-inhibiting properties.  Regular intake of green tea may primarily help in reducing the risk of cancer. The catechins in the green tea could alter the risk of prostate cancer. Green tea intake has also been found to work on shrinking tumors. In fact green tea is also beneficial for preventing and fighting skin cancer.  Additionally green tea also helps in detoxification which is an essential element for cancer patients.

Tip: Sip green tea once or twice a day regularly.

9. Black Pepper

One of the important cancer fighting spices and herbs list include black pepper as super food. Black pepper contains 'Piperine' which is one of the important ingredient of herbal and Ayurvedic medicines. Piperine is an alkaloid of black pepper which can inhibit growth of cancer cells of colon. Piperine is not just a well acknowledged antioxidant but also a anti-tumor agent and an anti-proliferative agent. No wonder Ayurveda crowns black pepper 'The king of spices' award. Black pepper has high levels of antioxidants that can help the body fight against oxidative stress and harmful pathogens that could give our body serious diseases such as cancer. Some of the other phytochemicals present inside black pepper such as Limonene is considered to have anti-cancer properties.

Tip: Black pepper can be freshly crushed or grounded to use in many dishes. It can be sprinkled over soups, salads, roast and meat dishes. Black pepper can also work as an alternative for salt.

10. Oregano

Oregano is definitely part of the top cancer fighting food because it is a miracle herb. We enjoy sprinkling or adding oregano to our foods for the flavors it imparts. But apart from that oregano should be included in our food because it can be beneficial for our body. Oregano has high levels of antioxidants which can help neutralize free radical damage to our cells. Oregano can help in preventing and fighting cancers such as breast cancer. The primary component present inside oregano is namely carvacrol which can help in prevention and growth of colon cancer and cervical cancer.

Tip: Oregano can be used fresh as well as dried. Oregano can be used in various dishes such as salads, pastas, pizza and marinades. It can be sprinkled to give an amazing flavor and aroma to dishes that are steamed, sauteed or boiled.  Fresh oregano can be fused into oil to imbibe an amazing flavor. It can be used to make various sauces and dips. 

10 Fruits and Vegetables for Healthy Glowing Skin

The lifestyle we enjoy today could be a reason why our skin doesn't glow anymore. The problems that our skin face ranging from acne, premature ageing, wrinkles and dryness could only worsen with the use of cosmetics and dirt our skin faces everyday. Though the daily cleansers and occasional face packs do work their way(topical fixes), yet they cannot provide you with a regular nourishment the skin requires. But that does not mean having a glowing and healthy skin is a lost cause. We often wonder how can get glowing skin naturally, because cosmetics are just topical indulgence. Natural wonders such as honey helps in glowing skin, also alowe vera gives glowing skin. So does a daily intake of certain fruits and vegetables.Including fruits and vegetables in our diet ensure not just a healthy well-being but a beautiful , healthy glowing skin. And here is a list of top ten fruits and vegetables that promises us the same.

10 Fruits and Vegetables for Healthy Glowing Skin

1. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Indian gooseberry or commonly referred as amla or awala is a miracle fruit which is rich in Vitamin A. The benefits of Amla are well known to us when it comes to maintaining a good health. Amla is known to treat a sore throat, reduce blood sugar, boost immunity and increase metabolic activity. But rarely people know that including amla in our daily diet ensures maintaining a glowing and fresh skin. It is a storehouse for nutrients and daily intake of this fruit promises glowing skin and hair.

Tip -  Amla can be included in your daily diet as a fruit or one can consume amla juice everyday early in the morning. Mix 15 ml of amla juice in a glass of water and drink it early morning everyday.

2. Apple

"An apple a day, keeps the doctor away."

This is what we know about this fruit and add it to our daily diet. But few know that apple has anti ageing properties. People do ask how apple is good for skin? Including apple in your daily food could keep wrinkles at bay. The Vitamin C present inside apple lessens wrinkles and gives a glowing skin. So here's the new mantra - 'An apple a day, keeps wrinkles away.' The skin friendly nutrients inside apple works wonder on our skin and help protect the skin from UV rays and pigmentation. Apple fruit is known to offer a protection against tanning and including it in your daily diet also ensures skin brightening and glowing.

Tip - Eat one apple everyday. Occasionally use apple pulp in face-packs or just apply apple pulp on face and keep for 10 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Do it at least once a week.

3. Beet root

Beet root is one such wonder food which can provide our body lots of benefits. It is highly nutritional and should be included widely in our daily diet. Few know that beetroot juice helps treating acne and pimples. It also works as a cleanser and purifies blood. The anti-oxidants present inside beetroot has anti-ageing properties. Beetroot should be included in daily diet as it helps in fighting acne, blemishes, dark spots, dark circles and dry skin. Beetroot is also known to be beneficial in skin whitening and skin glow. Beetroot juice if applied regularly on lips make them pink and soft.

Tip - Include beetroot juice in your daily diet. There are several benefits of drinking beetroot juice daily. Steamed and cooked beetroot is good to digest and helps in glowing skin.

4. Carrot

The beta-carotene present in carrots is a good source of Vitamin A which is highly beneficial for skin. Including carrot in our daily diet helps maintain a glowing and healthy skin. The beta-carotene within the carrot can work wonders for our skin as it can slower down ageing process, helps remove acne, remove wrinkles and provide us with glowing skin.

Tip - Include carrot grated or diced in our regular diet. You can also enjoy carrot juice during breakfast. Adding carrot juice to face packs help a lot in skin glow. After removing juice from the carrot, the residue can be used as a face scrub.

5. Lemon

Lemon is a wonder fruit that helps the skin maintain its beauty and glow. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C which provides good nourishment to skin. The juice of lemon can help remove blemishes, scars, black-spots, blackheads, acne and dark circles. Lemon can turn a dull looking skin into a healthy glowing skin. Regular use of lemon promises lightening of skin along with a natural glow. Lemon juice also helps to lighten the tanned skin.

Tip - Drink one glass lukewarm water mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice early morning every day. We can add lemon juice in salad dressings and chutneys. Lemon juice can also be added to face packs and face scrubs.

6. Spinach

Spinach has powerful antioxidants like Vitamin A and carotenoid which lessen the anti-ageing process. The omega 3 fatty acids present inside the spinach dehydrates the skin and helps those with dry skin problem. Spinach also has skin lightening properties. Including spinach in your regular diet also helps in glowing complexion. It is known to prevent or fight acne and dark spots. Spinach juice can also help to get rid of dark circles.

Tip - Spinach leaves can be added to breakfast varieties, rotis or parathas. Cooked spinach can be added in vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Spinach juice can be mixed up with other juices like beet root, apple, or mixed vegetables to be included as a breakfast variety. Cooked spinach pulp can also be used in face packs.

7. Tomato

Of all known vegetables and fruits, tomatoes comes as a winner! Tomatoes are highly beneficial for healthy and glowing skin. Tomatoes contain antioxidant named lycopene. Lycopene is known to keep skin healthy and glowing. Consuming tomatoes daily can help in severe skin related problems. It has anti-ageing properties, helps in glowing skin, treats over open pores, works as an astringent and removes dark spots. Tomato is a known natural bleaching agent and rubbing tomato slice on your face can be highly beneficial. It not just reduce skin pores but help remove dark circles and rejuvenate skin.

Tip - Include tomatoes raw or cooked in your daily diet. Use tomato pulp in face packs or scrubs. Take a tomato slice and slowly rub on your face, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Do this at least once a week.

8. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes too are good source of beta-carotene and hence come highly beneficial for skin. The Vitamin A present in sweet potatoes help fight pimples and acne. Sweet potatoes are also known to reduce oil from the skin and thus de-clog your skin pores.

Tip - Usually in India, sweet potatoes are consumed only during fast. But they need to be included in our daily diet. One can eat boiled or roasted sweet potatoes. The best and simple way to eat  and enjoy sweet potatoes is to boil and remove the skin. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and just eat it.

9. Strawberry

Strawberry is one of the most appetizing treat for our skin. It's acidic nature helps get rid of the excess oil thus helping us get rid of pimple and acne. The Vitamin C in strawberry works wonder for our skin making it healthy and beautiful. Strawberry is also known to lighten the skin and bring radiance.

Tip - Always enjoy seasonal strawberries. Add strawberry paste to your face packs. Or you could just use strawberry paste as a face scrub. Mix strawberry paste with curd or honey and apply on the skin for 10 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

10. Papaya

Last but not least, the angel fruit papaya is just the right thing for the skin. Papaya is a versatile fruit as its daily consumption can work wonders for your skin. The nutrients contents within papaya are known for rejuvenating skin and bringing a glow. When used in face packs, papaya helps tighten pores and removes blemishes. Regular use can make skin healthy and glowing.

Tip - Include papaya fruit as a part of daily diet preferably for breakfast. Use papaya fruit paste in face packs or scrubs. Papaya is also used during facials and anti-acne masks.

Learn more about How to make an instant homemade anti-wrinkle face mask

Learn more about How to bring an instant glow on your face

How to Get The Best Out of Fruits and Vegetables

To get the best out of the vegetables and fruits, one should follow certain rules:

1. Always choose seasonal fresh produce.

2. Do not keep fruits and vegetables at home for a long time. Consume them before they meet the expiry date.

3. Do not wash a vegetable or a fruit after peeling. Washing should be done before peeling.

4. While peeling certain fruit or vegetable certain care needs to be taken. Peel only the inedible skin. Do not peel deep inside the skin, as the nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are generally stored beneath and chances are they can get lost with excessive peeling.

5. Do not over-soak. Prolonged soaking can draw out the water soluble nutrients.

6. Vegetables and fruits should be cooked for shortest time possible on low heat.

7. Minimal water should be used while cooking.

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are also known as linseed or common flax or locally alsi. These seeds come in two varieties one brown and other golden yellow. Irrespective of color, flax seeds contain high nutritional values and equal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are slightly larger in size as compared to sesame seeds. They have smooth and shiny hard shell. The nutty flavor of flax seeds is becoming quite popular among health conscious consumers. Flax seeds are available in stores throughout the year. They should be consumed in proper proportion. Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea.

How to Consume Flax seeds

Flax seeds can be consumed either roasted or powdered. Flax seeds when roasted taste crunchy and can be eaten as it is or by adding in salads or as mouth-freshener. Powdered flax seeds can be added to smoothies and cereals.

Learn more about How to make homemade flax seeds mouth freshner(mukhwas)

How to store Flax seeds

Flax seeds can be stored at room temperature for as long as four months. Once you buy flax seeds, store them in airtight container. Powdered flax seeds stay fresh as little as one week only if it is stored in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Culinary Uses of Flax seeds

1. Flax seeds can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, curd, yogurt or water once it is grounded or powdered.

2. Sprouted flax seeds are edible and can be consumed just as any other sprouts. They have a light spicy flavour.

3. Grounded flax seeds can also be added to casseroles, baked dished and snack foods.

4. Whole flax seeds can be added to salads, multi-grain or whole wheat bread, crackers, muffins and energy bars.

5. Sprinkle grounded or whole flax seeds(slightly roasted) on your morning cereal, milkshakes or cooked oats.

6. Grounded or whole flax seeds can also be sprinkled on cooked vegetables.

Health Benefits of Flax seeds

1. Flax seeds are known to contain high levels of lignans which are considered to be beneficial for the heart.

2. Flax seeds contain anti-cancer properties.

3. Being rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds is one of the best vegan health options for foods.

4. Flax seed meal and flour are considered to be high source of fiber and hence can help lower cholesterol levels.

5. Hair massage with flax seed gel is said to stimulate and nourish hair follicles, thus improving blood circulation.

6. Daily consumption of flax seeds is said to be highly beneficial for the skin. It is said to minimize skin rashes and skin irritations. It also moistens the skin and helps get rid of wrinkles.

7. Flax seeds is highly recommended in weight loss diet as consuming flax seeds benefits to loss weight.

Side Effects of Flax seeds

Though flax seeds consumption is good for our health, yet over-consumption of flax seeds can have its own side effects. Flax seeds are to be consumed daily in measured proportion, say about 1 to 2 tablespoons a day per individual. People consuming more than this dosage may experience increase in bowel movements, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, constipation and bloating. If flax seeds are grounded and stored, then they should be consumed within the mentioned time limit or they could turn rancid. 

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally

Ants are real pests. They can be a big menace and just bundle up anywhere, especially in the kitchen - around the cabinets or near the food shelf. You get rid of one line of ants, and there they are making a whole new line with great enthusiasm. They are unstoppable and can beat you up. But there are still ways to get rid of ants from your house. Though in doing so we need to be persistent too just like the ants. Take little care everyday, for a few days and you can get rid of ants from your house.

7 Ways to Get Rid of Ants Naturally

1. First of all, the question is what attracts ants into your house or why are ants in your house? The answer is ants are attracted to the sugar scent in the house. They are also attracted to food items like flour, oil, grease, suji(rawa), chocolate and candy wrappers and sweet snacks. So it is important that you get rid of these food scents which attract ants. This can be done by cleaning and wiping out any food spills immediately after cooking. Cleaning with water will not get rid of the smell. Use mild soap solution or vinegar to wipe out food smells.


2. Investigate and find out the holes and cracks from where the ants enter in your house. You will find cracks or holes in and around the wall cabinets, electric switches, pipes, kitchen tiles, gap between floor tiles etc which act as the passage for ants. Once you find these places, seal them off immediately.


3. Book a pest control and get it done thoroughly in the kitchen. Mention the ant problem to person administering pest control and show him the areas the ant frequently visit. The pest control services have special non-toxic sprays that they spray all over the area visited by ants. These sprays have long lasting effects and can stay for a couple of months.


4. Certain essential oils such as cinnamon oil and peppermint oil are known to keep ants at bay. Dip a cotton bud in the oil and apply in the area where you see ants regularly.


5. Vinegar has a special effect on ants. It not only kills ants but also masks the food smell for them. Mix vinegar (white or apple cider) with equal amount of water and fill the solution in a spray bottle. Spray this solution regularly to get rid of ants naturally from your house.


6. Mix Vinegar and water in equal parts and add 2 lemon juice to it. Mix well and pour this solution in a big spray bottle. If you have ant menace in a particular area of kitchen, regularly spray this solution at least three times a day. It really helps. Keep spraying for a few days, even if there is no sign of ants.


7. Borax can also be sprinkled around the corners of floor, where you find ant menace. You can also create a bait for ants by mixing borax with little sugar and placing it in a small container near areas where ants frequently visit. Ants confuse borax with sugar and carry them over. Borax can kill ants and help you get rid of it.