As a parent, discovering small creatures roaming around your infant or toddler’s car seat can be disconcerting – especially when those little critters are ants. Whether you’re out and about on the town with your child or simply driving home from the store, having ants in their car seat is not only distracting for both you and your young one but could also pose a health risk if left unchecked. If you find yourself facing this problem and don’t know how to get ants out of car seat, we’ve got some tips to help make sure your baby’s car seat is free of crawling critters!
What types of ants can live in car seat?
The most common ant species that can live in car seats are pavement ants, odorous house ants, fire ants, and pharaoh ants. All of these species have different characteristics, behaviors, and nesting habits that make them well-suited for living in a car seat environment.
How will ants in your car seat cause damage?
Ants that have nested in your car seat can cause damage to the upholstery and seat fabric, as well as potentially contaminate food inside the vehicle. Furthermore, if these ants are of a stinging variety, like fire ants, your child could be at risk for getting stung or bitten.
Read more: Can You Use a Carseat Without a Base? | Expert Answers & Tips
How to get rid of ants in car seat?
- First, vacuum the car seat thoroughly to remove any ant eggs or nests that may be present inside the fabric of the seat.
- Next, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to create an effective natural ant repellent. Spray this liquid liberally over your car seat and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping off the excess liquid.
- Once the seat is dry, sprinkle a generous amount of borax powder over the car seat and let it sit overnight to ensure that all ants are eliminated.
- After 24 hours have passed, vacuum up any remaining borax powder from the seat and use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface.
- Finally, treat the car seat with an ant repellent spray designed specifically for cars or with a homemade solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to provide ongoing protection against future infestations.
Read more: What Do You Do With Old Car Seats? Donate or Recyle?
How to protect a car seat from ants?
- Clean and vacuum your car seat regularly to ensure that any food crumbs or debris that could attract ants are removed.
- Treat the seat with an ant repellent spray designed for cars, or a homemade solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, to create an effective barrier against future infestations.
- Avoid eating in the car and make sure to throw away any food waste immediately. Make sure your child’s snacks, such as crackers or cereal, are put away and sealed tightly when not in use.
- Place a few ant traps around the car seat area to help prevent ants from getting inside the car and making their way to the seat.
- Consider investing in a car seat cover that is specifically designed to be ant-proof! These covers will provide an extra layer of protection and make it more difficult for ants to nest inside your child’s car seat.
By following these steps and tips on how to get rid of ants in car seat, you can be sure that your child’s car seat is safe and free of ant infestations. Taking preventative measures and staying on top of cleaning is the best way to ensure your baby’s safety while they are in their car seat. With these tricks, you can have peace of mind knowing that your little one is safe and secure.
Source: Swap mamas
Last Updated on April 10, 2023 9:47 AM
Miracris Calilung is the co-founder of Swapmamas.com, a website that shares parenting tips. A mother herself, she loves baby and enjoys sharing her experiences with others. She is also a Senior Marketing Analyst who brings with her over 10 years of experience in marketing and business analysis.