Johann Hunt
Ants might be small, but they can cause big headaches when they invade your space. Instead of reaching for toxic sprays, why not try some natural remedies? These 15 DIY methods use common household items to effectively deter ants without harming your home or the environment. Ready to reclaim your space? Let’s get started.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a cooking ingredient that makes dough swell into softer, fluffier delicacies. But in the hands of a frustrated homeowner, it’s a powerful ant repellent that’s too acidic for these pests to escape. Pour some baking powder into a bowl and mix in equal amounts of sugar as bait. Sprinkle this mixture in the corners they frequent, and they should die out in no time.
Vinegar
Ants might be small, but you’ve got to give them credit for intelligence. They navigate your home searching for food through an inbuilt map called pheromones or scent trails. But with pungent-smelling substances like vinegar, you can disrupt these signals and send them packing. Simply use equal parts vinegar and water to spray bottles and spritz away.
Citrus
While lemons are merely sour for humans, they’re the equivalent of tear gas or smoke screens for ants. All you need to do is spray some lemon juice in problematic areas, and the acidity will interfere with their pheromones and dispel them from your premises. For an extra punch, you can place lemon or orange peels in their favorite spots as well.
Borax
Who said cleaning agents were only meant for cleaning filth? Though borax has been used for centuries as a detergent, it can damage ants’ digestive systems, permanently eliminating them. Combine it with sugar for bait and pour it around their hotspots or nests. If lucky, some ants might deliver the solution to their queen, exterminating the entire colony.
Coffee
Next time you’re about to throw out brewed coffee grounds, remember you might use it to battle a trail of ants. Aside from their health benefits, coffee grounds produce a distinct stench that knocks ants off their trail and out the door. So, after your morning coffee, sprinkle the grounds around your home, and your insect invasion should take a U-turn.
Cinnamon
Recent studies have shown that cinnamon is an effective ant repellent, whether in powdered or liquid form. But don’t expect a massacre—this will only distort their scent trails and drive them off. You can sprinkle the powdered form for them to inhale or douse a cotton ball in essential oil and swab on their preferred pathways.
Black Pepper
If black pepper can make you sneeze and cough, imagine the havoc it’ll wreck on a tiny army of ants. Even professional pest controllers sometimes use it to derail and eliminate these bugs due to its strong aroma. Spraying a mixture of the ground form with water should work, or you can sprinkle it dry instead. Try this remedy and your home will be too hot for the critters to handle.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper, better known as chili or red pepper, is a household staple commonly used for cooking spicy meals, soups, and stews. When ingested, it aids digestion and reduces inflammation. But like black pepper, the aroma of cayenne is extremely harsh to ants, especially in its ground state.
Peppermint Oil
Here’s a sweet-smelling herb you can add to your ant-fighting toolkit. Mix 20 drops of this in a cup of water for a DIY insecticide that you can spray in their hideouts. Despite its pleasant fragrance and immense health benefits, peppermint spray is toxic to ants and can weaken their navigational abilities.
Cloves
Cloves are another aromatic spice that will make your home uninhabitable for ants. They contain eugenol, a compound that produces a flavor toxic to ants and their navigational technique. To use cloves, steep them in hot water and apply with a spray bottle to barricade your home from these intruders.
Thyme
This common herb isn’t just for seasoning your favorite dishes. Thyme contains thymol, a compound that’s highly repulsive to ants. Target entry points with dried thyme leaves or make a thyme tea to spray in problem areas. You can also place fresh thyme sprigs near windows and doors. The strong aroma will scare ants away and, at the same time, leave your home smelling fresh.
Tea Tree Oil
Although commonly used for its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is also a powerful ant deterrent that interferes with their pheromone trails. Pour a few drops of the oil into some water and apply it to ant-infested areas. Remember, a little goes a long way with this pungent oil.
Lavender
This fragrant plant is a natural insecticide, disrupting ants’ sensory abilities. You can use lavender in various forms—dried flowers, essential oils, or even as potted plants. And as a bonus, your home will smell delightful!
Cucumber
Believe it or not, cucumber is a secret weapon against ants, and all you need are a few slices. These pests detest the bitter compounds in cucumbers, especially the peel. This makes them an excellent natural repellent you can place in areas where you’ve noticed ant activity. Another trick is to replace the slices every few days to maintain effectiveness and keep your home ant-free.
Chalk
This classroom staple doubles as an unexpected ant deterrent. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which affects ants’ ability to follow scent trails. Draw thick chalk lines around entry points or crush it into a fine powder and sprinkle it around your home’s perimeter. While it may not kill ants, it will certainly make them think twice about crossing your chalk barriers!
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