Ants may be small, but once they find a way inside your home, they can quickly become a big problem. These pests are drawn to crumbs, spills, and moisture, and it only takes one to find food before hundreds follow their scent trail.
Professional pest control is the most reliable way to eliminate an infestation at its source, but there are a number of natural remedies that can help deter ants and limit their activity. Keep in mind that these solutions often provide temporary results, as ants are persistent and skilled at finding new routes.
Simple and Natural Ant Control Remedies
1. Vinegar Spray
White vinegar is one of the easiest natural ant deterrents. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and use it on ant trails, baseboards, and entry points. The strong scent disrupts their pheromone trails and helps keep them from returning.
2. Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice interferes with the scent markers that ants rely on. Apply fresh lemon juice around door frames, windows, and other openings. You can also combine lemon juice with water for a quick, natural repellent spray.
3. Baking Soda and Sugar Mixture
This simple mixture is a classic, because it works. The sugar attracts ants, while the baking soda reacts with their digestive system. Place small dishes of the mix near problem areas, and you may notice a gradual decline in ant activity.
4. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a safe and natural powder that works by dehydrating ants that come into contact with it. Lightly sprinkle DE in cracks, under appliances, and near entryways. Be sure to use only food-grade DE for safety.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus can make effective ant repellents. Add several drops to a spray bottle of water, shake well, and apply to baseboards, window sills, and door frames. The aroma is pleasant for residents, but overwhelming to ants.
6. Cinnamon Scent
The scent of cinnamon is another natural way to drive ants away. Sprinkle ground cinnamon along entryways or set cinnamon sticks where ants frequently travel. This spice helps confuse their scent trails and stops them from spreading further.
7. Borax and Sugar Solution
Mixing borax with sugar creates an effective bait that ants carry back to their colony. Once consumed, it helps eliminate the colony over time. However, you need to use borax cautiously, and always keep it out of reach of children and pets.
8. Ground Coffee
Used coffee grounds can help deter ants thanks to their strong smell. Spread the grounds around your foundation, garden beds, or any area where ants are active. This natural method also helps recycle kitchen waste.
9. Cornmeal
Cornmeal works as a non-toxic way to manage ants. They’ll eat it and share it with the colony, but they can’t properly digest it, which helps reduce their numbers over time.
10. Dish Soap Spray
A few drops of dish soap mixed with water in a spray bottle can quickly kill ants on contact. The soapy mixture damages their outer layer and causes dehydration. It’s a fast, chemical-free solution for visible ants.
11. Clove Oil
Clove oil has a potent aroma and natural properties that repel ants. Mix several drops with water and apply it to cracks, crevices, and corners where ants might hide or enter.
12. Chalk Barrier
Drawing chalk lines across windowsills, doors, or other entryways may help deter ants temporarily. The chalk particles disrupt their scent trails, although this method isn’t long-lasting against larger infestations.
13. Fragrant Plants
Certain plants naturally repel ants with their strong scent. Consider planting herbs like mint, basil, or lavender near entrances or patios to create a natural barrier.
Ensure Long-Term Ant Prevention
Even though natural remedies can help reduce ant activity, they usually don’t eliminate the source of the infestation, the nest itself. Ant colonies can thrive in walls, foundations, and soil, far beyond what DIY treatments can reach.
For a lasting solution, consider scheduling professional pest control services. Experts can identify the specific ant species, locate nests, and apply targeted treatments that stop the infestation at its source.
If you’ve tried natural methods and still see ants around your home, it’s time to call the professionals. Our team provides safe, effective ant control solutions designed to keep your home protected.