Ants can be very frustrating for homeowners. According to the National Pest Management Association, ant infestations are on the rise, making them America’s number one nuisance bug.
While ants aren’t dangerous, they can damage structures, spread bacteria, and cause allergic reactions. Fortunately, you can use eco-friendly home remedies from your pantry or the supermarket to get rid of ants.
White Vinegar


White vinegar is effective against ants due to its strong scent, which disrupts their scent trails. Mix three parts cleaning vinegar with one part water and spray under doorways, in the yard, or around picnic areas.
Next time you mop the floor, add a bit of vinegar to the water for extra ant-repelling power. The strong smell not only masks ant trails but also acts as a natural cleaner.
Borax
Borax is lethal to ants, interfering with their digestive systems. Create a mixture of borax, confectioner’s sugar, and water, and place it in shallow containers near ant mounds.
The ants carry the mixture back to their colony, effectively killing more ants. While borax is relatively safe for humans, keep it out of reach of children and pets.


Pepper
Pepper, particularly black or cayenne, repels ants with its strong odor. Sprinkle pepper on ant trails or mix it with water and spray it at entry points to keep ants at bay.
Though it doesn’t kill ants, the pungent smell disrupts their ability to follow scent trails. This simple and non-toxic remedy can help prevent ants from entering your home.


Cinnamon
Cinnamon acts as a natural, non-toxic ant repellent due to its potent smell. Sprinkle cinnamon around anthills, on countertops, and along floorboards, or use cinnamon essential oil to repel and kill ants.
Its strong scent not only drives ants away but also masks their pheromone trails. This makes cinnamon a double-duty solution for both killing and repelling ants.


Fresh Mint
Mint plants and essential oils from peppermint, wintergreen, geranium, thyme, clove, and rosemary deter ants. Plant mint in your garden or use minty essential oils to keep ants and other insects away.
The pleasant aroma of mint also adds a refreshing scent to your home and garden. This natural remedy is a win-win for pest control and fragrance.


Cornmeal & Boric Acid
Mixing cornmeal with boric acid creates an effective ant bait. The ants carry the mixture back to their colony, poisoning the entire nest.
While cornmeal alone doesn’t kill ants, it can be a powerful tool when combined with boric acid. Ensure this mixture is kept away from pets and children to avoid accidental ingestion.


Flour
All-purpose flour can disrupt ants’ pheromone trails. Scatter flour at door thresholds, on window sills, and along foundations to prevent ants from finding their way into your home.
Using a sifter to apply a fine dusting of flour directly along their paths can also be effective. This simple remedy uses an everyday kitchen ingredient to keep ants at bay.


Citrus
The natural acids in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit mask ants’ scent trails. Squeeze citrus juice into a spray bottle or rub pureed citrus peel on window sills and door jambs to deter ants.
Leftover citrus rinds can also be used in the garden as an organic ant deterrent. This method is both eco-friendly and effective in keeping ants out of your home.


Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds repel ants due to their strong smell or the texture that ants dislike. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the stems of plants and flowers to keep ants away.
This remedy not only helps with ant control but also acts as a natural fertilizer for your garden. Reusing coffee grounds is an economical and eco-friendly solution.


Sugar
Creating a sugar trail can divert ants away from your home. Extend the trail from your house to an outdoor compost pile, providing ants with an alternative food source.
This method helps manage ant populations by directing them away from your living space. It’s a simple way to coexist with ants without having them invade your home.


Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along ant trails and entry points. The fine powder dehydrates ants, causing them to die without using chemicals.
This natural substance is safe for humans and pets but lethal to insects. It’s an effective and eco-friendly way to control ant populations.


Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar
Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar. The sugar attracts ants while the baking soda reacts with their digestive systems, killing them.
This mixture can be placed in shallow containers near ant trails. It’s a simple, non-toxic solution for dealing with ant infestations.


Soap and Water Solution
Combine dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spraying this solution directly on ants can suffocate them by breaking down their exoskeletons.
This remedy is easy to prepare and use, making it a convenient option for immediate ant control. It’s also safe to use around children and pets.


Essential Oils
Mix essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray along ant trails and entry points to repel ants.
These oils have strong scents that disrupt ants’ ability to follow their trails. This method is natural, effective, and leaves your home smelling fresh.


Cucumber Peels
Place cucumber peels around entry points. Ants dislike the bitterness and will avoid areas with cucumber.
This method is simple and uses kitchen scraps to repel ants. It’s an eco-friendly way to deter ants without harmful chemicals.


Chalk
Draw chalk lines around entry points. The calcium carbonate in chalk interferes with ants’ scent trails, deterring them from crossing.
This method is straightforward and safe for homes with children. It provides a quick barrier that ants are reluctant to cross.


Salt
Sprinkle salt at doorways and windowsills. The abrasive texture and dehydration effect can deter ants.
Using salt is an inexpensive and readily available solution. It’s a practical way to create a hostile environment for ants.


Garlic
Place garlic cloves in ant entry points. The strong smell repels ants and keeps them from entering your home.
Garlic is a natural and effective deterrent for ants. Its pungent aroma makes it an excellent barrier against these pests.


Bay Leaves
Place bay leaves in pantry shelves and entry points. The strong scent of bay leaves repels ants and other pests.
This method is safe for food storage areas and adds a pleasant aroma. It’s a simple and natural way to keep ants at bay.


Talcum Powder
Sprinkle talcum powder along ant trails and entry points. The fine particles disrupt their scent trails and deter them from crossing.
Talcum powder is easy to apply and can be used indoors without much mess. It’s an effective way to manage ants without using chemicals.


Baby Powder
Similar to talcum powder, baby powder can be sprinkled along ant trails to interfere with their scent paths and deter entry.
This method is gentle and safe for use around children. It provides a soft barrier that ants find difficult to navigate.


Cloves
Place whole cloves in cabinets and along ant trails. The strong scent repels ants and other insects.
Cloves are a natural and aromatic solution for pest control. They can be used in various areas of your home to keep ants away.


Vaseline
Apply Vaseline to entry points such as windowsills and door frames. The sticky barrier prevents ants from crossing.
Vaseline creates a physical barrier that ants cannot traverse. It’s a simple and effective method for blocking entry points.


Boric Acid and Sugar
Mix boric acid with sugar to create a bait. The sugar attracts ants while the boric acid kills them.
This mixture is effective in eliminating entire ant colonies. However, it should be used with caution around pets and children.


Hydrogen Peroxide
Spray a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water directly on ants. The solution can kill ants on contact.
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective method for immediate ant control. It also acts as a disinfectant, cleaning surfaces as you spray.


Vinegar and Peppermint Oil
Combine vinegar and peppermint oil in a spray bottle. The strong scent of peppermint oil enhances the repellent effect of vinegar.
This mixture can be sprayed around entry points and ant trails. It’s a natural and aromatic way to keep ants out of your home.


Baking Soda and Vinegar
Create a paste with baking soda and vinegar and apply it to ant entry points. The reaction between the two substances can kill ants.
This method is easy to prepare and uses common household ingredients. It’s an effective way to manage ant infestations naturally.


Neem Oil
Mix neem oil with water and spray around entry points. Neem oil disrupts ants’ reproductive systems and repels them.
Neem oil is a powerful and natural insect repellent. It’s effective in controlling not only ants but other pests as well.


Borax and Honey
Mix borax with honey to create a sticky bait. The honey attracts ants, and the borax kills them.
This mixture can be placed in small containers near ant trails. It’s a sweet yet deadly solution for ant problems.


Lemon Juice
Spray lemon juice around entry points and along ant trails. The acidic nature and strong scent repel ants effectively.
Lemon juice is a natural and safe way to deter ants. It also leaves a fresh, clean scent in your home.


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