Ants are known for being small, but they can cause lots of frustration once they find their way indoors. They often enter homes searching for crumbs, moisture, or shelter, and before you know it, you’ve got a steady trail across the floor or countertops.
Professional pest control is the best way to eliminate an infestation for good, but there are several natural methods that may help you prevent ant activity in the meantime. These eco-friendly approaches can temporarily deter ants and make your home less attractive to them.
Easy Remedies to Help Deter Ants
1. White Vinegar Spray
White vinegar is one of the simplest tools for discouraging ants. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then apply it to common entry points and along ant trails. The strong odor removes scent trails that ants use to communicate and find food.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works similarly to vinegar, but with a fresh scent. Its natural acidity disrupts the chemical trails ants rely on. Apply it undiluted or mix with water to spray around doors, windows, and kitchen counters.
3. Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
To target ants directly, combine equal parts sugar and baking soda. The sugar attracts worker ants, while the baking soda harms them once ingested. Place small portions of the mixture in shallow containers near ant activity.
4. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that kills ants by drying them out. Lightly dust it around cracks, baseboards, and behind appliances. Always use food-grade DE, which is non-toxic to people and pets when applied properly.
5. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils have strong aromas that ants avoid. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are especially effective. Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and apply it around windows, floors, and doorways.
6. Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks both work as natural barriers. Place them near baseboards, around windows, or anywhere ants tend to appear. The scent confuses and repels ants looking for food or nesting sites.
7. Borax Bait
Borax mixed with sugar and water can be an effective way to control ant colonies. The worker ants carry the bait back to their nest, spreading it to the rest of the colony. Use this mixture carefully, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
8. Coffee Grounds
Don’t throw away your used coffee grounds! Their strong aroma can help keep ants out. Sprinkle them around outdoor foundations, flowerbeds, and near entryways to discourage ants from crossing into your home.
9. Cornmeal Bait
Ants are drawn to cornmeal, but they can’t digest it. Place small piles of cornmeal near high-traffic areas to reduce the number of ants over time.
10. Dish Soap and Water
Dish soap mixed with water is a fast way to eliminate visible ants. The soap breaks down their outer layer, leading to dehydration. Use a spray bottle for quick and direct application.
11. Clove Oil Spray
Clove oil’s potent scent makes it a reliable natural deterrent. Mix a few drops with water and spray it into cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas where ants may nest or travel.
12. Chalk Lines
Drawing chalk around baseboards, windows, and doors can sometimes block ants temporarily. The powdery texture interferes with their scent trails, though it’s a short-term fix rather than a full solution.
13. Ant Repelling Plants
Plants such as mint, lavender, and basil naturally give off fragrances that ants dislike. Growing these near entry points or outdoor seating areas can help discourage ants from approaching your home.
Long-Term Ant Prevention Strategies
Natural methods can help manage ants temporarily, but they rarely stop an infestation at the source. Ants often establish colonies deep within walls, under foundations, or in soil outside your home, which are difficult to reach with DIY remedies.
Professional pest control provides a long-term solution. Our team can identify the ant species, locate their nests, and apply targeted treatments that eliminate colonies and prevent them from returning.
If ants continue to reappear despite your efforts, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact our licensed pest control specialists for effective, lasting protection against ants and other household pests.