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Natural Remedies to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Ants may be tiny, but their persistence can quickly turn into a big annoyance. Whether they’re marching across your kitchen counter or sneaking into the pantry, these insects are constantly on the hunt for food and moisture. Hiring an ant control professional is the most effective long-term approach, but there are several natural methods you can try to reduce ant activity on your own.
These DIY solutions can temporarily deter ants, but they’re rarely a permanent fix. Still, they’re affordable and worth trying before calling in professional help.
Ant Control Methods You Can Try at Home
- White Vinegar Spray
A vinegar-based spray is one of the simplest ways to repel ants. Combine equal parts water and white vinegar, then spritz the mixture along doorways, windows, and any visible ant trails. The sharp scent confuses their path system and prevents them from finding their way back. - Lemon Juice Barrier
Ants dislike the strong acidity of lemon juice. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with a bit of water and spray it around common entry points such as window frames, baseboards, and cracks. It not only disrupts their scent trails but also leaves a clean citrus smell behind. - Sugar and Baking Soda Bait
This old-fashioned trick combines sugar and baking soda in equal amounts. The sugar draws ants in, while the baking soda reacts with their internal chemistry after it’s eaten. Place the blend in small, shallow dishes near places you’ve seen ants. - Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in dry areas where ants are active. This fine powder damages their exoskeletons, causing dehydration. It’s completely natural and suitable to use around people and pets, as long as you use food-grade diatomaceous earth. - Peppermint or Tea Tree Oil
Essential oils are powerful ant deterrents. Mix a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle, then mist it along walls, counters, and doorways. These oils create a barrier ants won’t want to cross. - Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon’s strong fragrance acts as a natural repellent. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place a few cinnamon sticks near ant trails and entry points. It’s a pleasant-smelling, chemical-free way to discourage ants from entering. - Borax and Sugar Syrup
Mix borax with sugar or honey to make a sticky bait. The sweet scent attracts ants, while the borax is lethal when ingested and carried back to the colony. Keep this mixture away from kids and pets, as borax can be harmful if consumed. - Used Coffee Grounds
Don’t throw away your used coffee grounds just yet. Instead, try spreading them along the perimeter of your home or garden beds. The smell deters ants and other small pests while adding nutrients to the soil. - Cornmeal
Ants will often take cornmeal back to their nest, but they can’t digest it properly, which makes it a simple and non-toxic way to disrupt their population. Sprinkle it around areas where you’ve seen activity. - Dish Soap Spray
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use it as a spray against ants. This quick fix works by breaking down their outer coating, causing them to dry out. It’s especially handy for spot-treating trails indoors. - Clove Oil Repellant
Clove essential oil is another natural deterrent. Blend several drops with water and spray it into cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces where ants could be nesting. The strong, spicy scent drives them away. - Chalk Lines
Drawing chalk around door frames or windowsills can sometimes block ants from crossing. The powder disrupts their scent trails, though it usually offers only temporary relief. - Preventative Plants
Some plants naturally discourage ants. Growing mint, basil, or lavender near your windows or entryways can act as a fragrant barrier, while enhancing your home’s appearance.
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Long-Term Ant Prevention
Although natural remedies can reduce ant activity, they’re not always enough to eliminate an infestation completely. To keep ants away long-term, seal up small cracks and gaps, store food in airtight containers, and clean up crumbs or spills right away.
If ants keep returning despite your best efforts, professional pest control can help locate and treat the source of the infestation. Our experts can effectively eliminate the colony and help prevent future invasions.