Ants are a common nuisance in many households. While professional pest control services are usually the best solution, several natural home remedies can help you manage an ant infestation. Many of these natural remedies may deter the ants for a very short period of time but are not always 100% effective. Persistent ants are often smart enough to find their way around them and return.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most effective natural and eco-friendly methods for keeping ants away from your property.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ants
1. Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution is a simple and effective home remedy to kill ants. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to ant trails, entry points, and nests. The strong smell of vinegar disrupts the ants’ scent trails and deters them from returning.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works similarly to vinegar in repelling ants. Its acidic nature masks the scent trails ants use to navigate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice around door frames, window sills, and other entry points. You can also mix lemon juice with water and use it as a spray.
3. Baking Soda and Sugar
A mixture of baking soda and sugar is a natural way to kill ants. The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda reacts with their digestive system, ultimately killing them. Place the mixture in shallow dishes near ant trails and entry points.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a safe and natural way to get rid of ants inside. Sprinkle it in areas where you see ants. The fine powder dehydrates the ants, leading to their death. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it is safe for humans and pets.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are excellent natural repellents. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it around your home’s entry points and ant trails. These oils have strong scents that ants dislike, making them an effective natural way to get rid of ants. Learn more about the effectiveness of essential oils in preventing ant infestations.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a spice but also a natural ant-repellent. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place cinnamon sticks around entry points and ant trails. The pungent smell of cinnamon disrupts the ants’ scent trails, keeping them away from your home.
7. Borax and Sugar
Borax is a natural mineral that can be used to kill ants. Mix borax with sugar to attract ants. The ants will return the mixture to their nest, killing the colony. Be cautious when using borax around children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.
8. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can repel ants due to their strong smell. Sprinkle the grounds around the perimeter of your home and in areas where you’ve seen ants. This method is natural and recycles a common household waste product.
9. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is another effective home remedy to get rid of ants. The ants will return the cornmeal to their colony but cannot digest it. Over time, this will help reduce the ant population. Place small piles of cornmeal near ant trails and entry points.
10. Soap and Water
A simple mixture of dish soap and water can kill ants on contact. Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray directly on ants and along their trails. The soap breaks down their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
11. Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil can be a potent ant-repellent. Mix it with water and spray it into cracks and crevices where ants may nest in your walls. Clove oil’s strong scent and chemical properties make it an effective deterrent.
12. Chalk
Drawing lines of chalk around entry points can prevent ants from crossing. You can place chalk lines around windows, doors, and other potential entry points. The chalk lines disrupt their scent trails, though ants are incredibly persistent when hunting for food sources, so it’s unlikely to be effective for long!
13. Plants
Certain plants are natural ant repellents and can help keep these pests at bay. Planting herbs like mint, basil, and lavender around your home can deter ants due to their strong scents.
Preventing Ant Infestations
Dealing with ants can be frustrating, but these natural home remedies may help you to control and prevent infestations. From vinegar and lemon juice to essential oils and diatomaceous earth, there are many eco-friendly options to try out. Sometimes the battle can feel relentless, so let our expert team take away the hassle and help protect your home from these tiny invaders. Look at our guide on how to get rid of ants, which includes additional information about the effectiveness of things like Borax. If your ant problem persists, contact our professional ant exterminators!