Having ants making their way into our homes is a common pest problem. It can be frustrating to constantly find them marching their way across kitchen countertops or underneath appliances. While there are many chemical solutions available on the market, not everyone wants to go down that route.
The natural remedies for getting rid of ants include chalk lines, coffee grounds, vinegar and essential oils, garlic, baby powder, dish soap, flour, and boric acid. These solutions are non-toxic alternatives to chemicals and can be used in different ways depending on the situation.
1. Vinegar
If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of pesky ants in your home, consider turning to a household staple – vinegar! Used as a natural remedy for centuries, vinegar boasts a wide array of ant-eliminating properties that make it an effective and affordable solution.
By combining white or apple cider vinegar with other common household items like water, soap, and peppermint oil, you can create potent deterrents and traps to keep ants at bay.
From spraying vinegar around entry points to laying down vinegar-soaked cotton balls, there are a variety of ways to use this natural remedy to combat ant infestations.
2. Lemon Juice
When it comes to keeping ants out of your home, there are a multitude of natural remedies available, and one of the most effective is lemon juice. The acidic properties of lemon juice disrupt the scent trails that ants follow, making your home unappealing to them.
To use lemon juice to ward off ants, simply squeeze fresh lemon juice around the perimeter of your home or any areas where ants tend to enter. You can also mix the lemon juice with water and use it as a household cleaner to remove any ant pheromones that may be left behind.
3. Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon powder, with its fragrant aroma and delicious taste, is not just limited to culinary purposes. The spice has also been found to be a natural remedy for repelling ants from your home. This is because ants detest the strong scent of cinnamon and are driven away from it.
To use cinnamon powder as a natural ant repellent, simply sprinkle the spice around areas where ants are likely to enter your house, including windowsills and doors. Alternatively, mix cinnamon powder with water and spray the solution around your home.
4. Peppermint Oil
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep ants out of your home, peppermint oil might just be your answer. Not only does it have a refreshing scent, but ants can’t stand it.
Peppermint oil works by disrupting the ants’ ability to communicate with each other, making it almost impossible for them to navigate and find food in your home.
To use peppermint oil as a natural ant repellent, mix 10-15 drops with a cup of water and spray it on the areas where ants are present. You can also mix it with vinegar and soap for an even more effective solution.
5. Borax
Borax is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a natural remedy to get rid of ants in your home. This white powder is a mineral compound that’s been used for over a century in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and even as a natural insecticide.
When it comes to getting rid of ants, Borax works by interfering with their digestive system, leading to their eventual demise. It’s best to mix Borax with sugar and water before placing it in the areas where ants are most active.
While Borax is generally considered safe for humans and pets, it’s important to keep it away from young children and always follow the instructions carefully.
6. Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar
Baking soda and powdered sugar may not seem like a potent combination, but they can be a natural and effective remedy for getting rid of pesky ants in your home. It disrupts the ants’ digestive system, while powdered sugar acts as a lure to attract the ants to the mixture.
When the ants consume the mixture, the baking soda will cause a buildup of gas in their bodies, eventually leading to their demise. This remedy is not harmful to humans or pets, and it can be easily made by mixing equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar.
Simply sprinkle the mixture in areas where ants are present, and wait for it to work its magic.
7. Chalk Line
Ants can be a pesky problem in any home, but there are plenty of natural remedies that can help get rid of them without the use of harsh chemicals. One of these remedies is the chalk line.
By simply drawing a line of chalk where ants are entering your home, you can create a barrier that they will not cross. This is because ants dislike the calcium carbonate in the chalk, which disrupts their scent trail and confuses them.
Not only is chalk line a natural and effective way to get rid of ants, but it is also a safe option for households with children and pets.
8. Coffee Grounds
Ants are a common household pest that can be a nuisance to deal with. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help get rid of them, and coffee grounds are one of them. Many people are surprised to learn that these used coffee grounds can be effective at keeping ants at bay.
Ants are repelled by the strong smell of coffee, so scattering coffee grounds near entry points can help deter them. You can also create a barrier by mixing the grounds with water and pouring the mixture around areas where you have noticed ants.
9. Boiling Water
Boiling water is a simple and effective natural remedy for getting rid of ants in your home. It is a non-toxic method that can be employed to target ant colonies either indoors or outdoors. Ants are attracted to water, therefore, drenching their nests with boiling water will kill them.
Ants cannot survive in high temperatures, hence pouring boiling water over anthills or ant trails can eradicate them. This method is less harmful to the environment compared to traditional ant killers that contain chemicals and can be harmful to pets and children.
Boiling water destroys ant nests and kills the worker ants in no time.
10. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth may sound like an intimidating term, but it’s a natural remedy that can help get rid of ants in your home. This powdery substance is made up of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.
When ants come into contact with diatomaceous earth, the particles penetrate their exoskeletons and dry them out, leading to their ultimate demise.
Not only is it effective at killing ants, but it’s also safe to use around children and pets. Simply sprinkle the powder in areas where you see ants, such as near windowsills and entryways.
11. Essential Oils
Ants can be a pesky problem around the house. However, instead of using harmful chemicals to get rid of them, consider using essential oils. Essential oils are natural and offer a safe alternative to traditional ant repellents.
For example, peppermint and tea tree oils are both effective in repelling ants. You can mix these oils with water to create a spray or simply place a few drops on a cotton ball and place it in areas where ants are present.
Cinnamon, lemon, and eucalyptus oils are also great options for keeping ants at bay.
12. Cornmeal
When it comes to natural remedies for getting rid of ants in your home, cornmeal may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this humble kitchen staple can actually be quite effective in deterring these pesky insects.
The reason for this is that ants are unable to digest cornmeal, which means that when they consume it, it essentially acts as a poison. As a result, using cornmeal as a remedy for getting rid of ants in your home is a safe and natural alternative to chemical insecticides.
13. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, a versatile household item, can come in handy in different situations. One of its many uses is in pest control. Ants are common household pests that can be challenging to eliminate. However, with petroleum jelly, it is possible to repel them effectively without harmful chemicals.
By applying the product to the entry points, the ants lose their scent trails and eventually, give up on entering the house. Moreover, petroleum jelly acts as a natural barrier that hinders the ants’ free movement.
14. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are more than just a fragrant seasoning for your favorite dishes – they’re also an effective natural remedy for getting rid of ants at home. By simply placing a handful of bay leaves where ants are coming in, you can deter them from entering your space.
Ants dislike the smell of bay leaves, making it an easy and affordable solution to a common problem. Not only are bay leaves a non-toxic alternative to chemical-filled ant repellents, but they also have a number of other health benefits, from aiding digestion to reducing inflammation.
15. Vanilla Extract
If you’re tired of ants marching through your home uninvited, it’s time to try some natural remedies to keep them at bay. Did you know that vanilla extract can be an effective solution? Simply mix it with water and spray the mixture wherever the ants are entering your home.
The scent of the extract will repel them and discourage them from coming back. Vanilla extract is just one of many natural remedies that can help you get rid of ants without relying on toxic pesticides.
16. White Vinegar and Essential Oils
White vinegar and essential oils are two natural remedies that can effectively help you get rid of ants in your home. It contains acetic acid, which disrupts the ants’ scent trail and can kill them on contact.
You can create a simple solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and spray it in areas where ants are seen. Essential oils, on the other hand, contain compounds that have natural insecticidal properties.
Some of the most effective essential oils for repelling ants include peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and tea tree oil. You can add a few drops of these oils to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it around the areas where ants are present.
17. Garlic
Garlic is a natural way to get rid of ants in your home. This pungent herb has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and it can also be effective as an insect repellent. The strong odor of garlic is unappealing to ants, so they will avoid areas where it is present.
You can use garlic in several ways to deter ants. One method is to crush garlic cloves and place them in areas where ants are present. Another way is to make a garlic spray by blending garlic and water together and then spraying it in areas where ants frequent.
18. Cloves
Cloves are one of the many natural remedies that can help homeowners get rid of ants in their homes. The strong and pungent aroma of cloves is known to repel ants, making them an effective solution for keeping ants away from your living space.
To use cloves as an ant repellent, simply place them around ant-prone areas in your home, such as cabinets, countertops, and doorways. Another method is to mix ground cloves with water and use it to wipe down surfaces. Not only are cloves a natural and safe option, but they also add a pleasant scent to your home.
19. Baby Powder
Ants can be a pesky problem in any home, but thankfully there are natural remedies available to get rid of them. One surprising solution that has been used for centuries is baby powder.
Not only does it have a pleasant scent, but it can also act as a barrier to prevent ants from entering your home. Simply sprinkle the powder around areas where you see ants and watch as they avoid it at all costs.
This non-toxic solution is not harmful to humans or pets, making it a safe and effective way to combat an ant problem in your home.
20. Liquid Dish Soap
As summer approaches, ants will become a common sight in many households. While there are many commercial repellents available, some people prefer natural remedies to deter these pesky insects.
One surprising solution is liquid dish soap. Mixing dish soap with water and spraying it directly onto ant trails or nests can effectively repel and kill ants. The soap works by breaking down their exoskeletons, ultimately causing them to dehydrate and die.
It’s important to use a mild dish soap to avoid any harmful chemicals, and to be patient as it may take a few applications to see results.
21. Used Coffee Grounds and Orange Peels
Ants may seem like tiny pests, but they can cause a big headache for homeowners. If you’re looking for a natural, cost-effective way to get rid of ants, consider using used coffee grounds and orange peels.
Not only are these items readily available in most households, but they also work effectively to deter ants from invading your living space. Their strong scents disrupt the ants’ sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate sources of food and water.
You can use these natural remedies in a variety of ways, such as placing them near entryways or mixing them with water and spraying them onto affected areas.
22. Flour and Boric Acid
Ants can be a persistent and frustrating problem in any household. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies to help get rid of these pests, and one such remedy is the use of flour and boric acid. Both flour and boric acid are readily available and inexpensive, making them an accessible option for homeowners.
Mixing these two ingredients together creates a bait that ants are attracted to but will ultimately prove fatal. While flour is a food source that draws the ants in, boric acid acts as a toxic substance that will kill them once they ingest it.
It’s important to use this remedy with caution, however, and to keep it away from pets and children.
23. Grits
Grits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of natural remedies for getting rid of ants in your home, but they can be surprisingly effective. It works by expanding in the ants’ stomachs after they consume them, causing them to die off.
Simply sprinkle uncooked grits in areas where ants are commonly seen, such as near windowsills and doorways. It’s important to note that grits are not a quick fix and may take up to a week to fully eliminate the ant colony.
In conclusion
If you are looking for effective and natural remedies for getting rid of ants in your home, there are plenty of options available to you. From using essential oils to making homemade traps, these methods are not only cost-effective but also safe for you, your family, and the environment. With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you can successfully eliminate these unwanted pests from your living space.
Remember to keep your home clean, store food properly, and seal any gaps or entry points to prevent ants from coming back. By following these tips and tricks, you can say goodbye to ants and hello to a pest-free home.
