6 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants

6 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants

Rainy weather, although a respite from our sunny beach climate, can bring some unwanted guests into our home.  And with the slew of storms we have had recently, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve noticed a few extra insects in your sanctuary – especially Ants! Usually found marching along a kitchen counter, single file near a baseboard, or outside on the porch by your welcome mat (some welcome!), ants are tiny and persistent home invaders. Sure, you can wipe away a trail of ants with a paper towel, or hose them down outside, but if you don’t pursue a more permanent solution, you’re sure to see these annoying critters again and again.

Luckily, getting rid of ants is easy, and it doesn’t have to involve exterminators and harsh chemicals. Your pantry is probably already stocked with everything you need for an environmentally safe, pet and child friendly solution to these pesky visitors.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Ants use scent to follow each other in their notorious marching line. Disrupt the scent with apple cider vinegar. Make a spray of one-part apple cider vinegar to one-part water and apply wherever their conga line starts to form. Repeat applications until the ant parade comes to a stop.

2. Peppermint Oil

Fresh mint leaves keep odors at bay, and they’ll do the same for ants. To make a sprayable deterrent, mix two to three tablespoons of peppermint oil with a quart of water. Spray liberally around the ants’ points of origin, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies. This will set them running and give your home a nice, fresh scent – win, win!

3. Cinnamon

            Ants can’t bear the scent of cinnamon. Utilize their aversion by sprinkling powdered cinnamon or placing a couple of cinnamon sticks wherever ants congregate. Just be sure not to use too much, especially if you have a sensitive nose, as the smell can get strong!         

4. Powdered Sugar & Baking Soda

This may not be the kindest way to defeat the ant army in your kitchen, but it is effective. Mix one-part powdered sugar with one-part baking powder and leave the mixture in the corners of your kitchen and where ants are located. The ants will be drawn to the sweetness of the sugar, but the baking soda will kill them when ingested. 

5. Lemon Juice

Always keeping lemons on hand is great because not only do they deter ants, but they have a plethora of uses for around the house. Squirt some lemon juice on door thresholds and windowsills. Then squeeze lemon juice into any holes or cracks where the ants are getting in. Finally, scatter small slices of lemon peel around the outdoor entrance. Ants hate the smell (roaches and fleas too!), and, just like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice disrupts their scent trail. Do this and they will be sure to get the message that they are not welcome. 

6. Diatomaceous Earth

Ants can be persistent. So, if the rest of these creative remedies don’t work, consider using a more powerful solution like diatomaceous earth. This all-natural powder is non-toxic to pets and humans but lethal to ants, roaches, bed bugs, and any insect with an exoskeleton. You can find this at most home and garden stores but make sure to opt for food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is just as deadly to ants but safer for you and your household.