How To Keep Ants Away

Why Should You Be Concerned About Ants?

While most ants don’t pose a direct threat to humans, they can carry bacteria and contaminate your food. Some species, like carpenter ants, can also cause structural damage to your home. It’s important to take preventive measures to keep them out, especially in areas where you prepare and store food.

Best Ways to Keep Ants Out of Your Home

Ants can be a persistent problem, but there are effective ways to keep them from invading your home. Let’s explore some tried-and-true methods for deterring ants naturally and keeping your living spaces ant-free.

1. Vinegar and Water Solution

Vinegar is an excellent natural ant deterrent because its strong odor disrupts the scent trails ants use to navigate. The smell of vinegar confuses ants, preventing them from finding their way back to food sources.

How to Use Vinegar:

• Step 1: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the solution on ant trails, entry points, and any areas where ants are commonly seen.
• Step 3: Wipe down surfaces with the solution to remove any residual scent trails.
• Step 4: Repeat daily or as needed to maintain the ant barrier.

Note: Vinegar may not be suitable for certain surfaces, so test it on a small area before using it widely.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

Ants dislike the strong scent of peppermint, making it an effective natural repellent. Peppermint essential oil can be used to deter ants from entering your home while leaving a pleasant, minty fragrance.

How to Use Peppermint Oil:

• Step 1: Mix 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the mixture along entry points, such as windows and doors, and around baseboards.
• Step 3: For more long-lasting effects, place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in corners and other problem areas.
• Step 4: Reapply as necessary, especially after cleaning.

Note: Use caution with essential oils around pets, as some can be harmful to animals.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural ant deterrent that confuses ants by masking their scent trails. The smell of cinnamon also acts as a repellent, and when sprinkled directly on ants, it can suffocate them.

How to Use Cinnamon:

• Step 1: Sprinkle ground cinnamon around ant entry points and along ant trails.
• Step 2: Use cinnamon sticks for a long-lasting effect, placing them in corners and along windowsills.
• Step 3: Reapply after cleaning or heavy rain to maintain the barrier.

4. Lemon Juice

Similar to vinegar, lemon juice disrupts ants' scent trails, making it harder for them to navigate. Its acidity also serves as a natural repellent that ants avoid.

How to Use Lemon Juice:

• Step 1: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the solution in areas where ants are entering, such as doorways, windows, and countertops.
• Step 3: Wipe down surfaces to remove any traces of food or residue that could attract ants.
• Step 4: Reapply as necessary to maintain effectiveness.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that is safe to use indoors and works by dehydrating ants when they come into contact with it. This is a non-toxic option for households with pets and children.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth:

• Step 1: Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the powder.
• Step 2: Sprinkle the powder along baseboards, windowsills, and other common ant pathways.
• Step 3: Reapply after rain or after vacuuming, as it works best when kept dry.

6. Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar Mixture

Baking soda is a natural ant killer when mixed with powdered sugar, which attracts ants. The baking soda disrupts their digestive systems, ultimately killing them.

How to Use Baking Soda:

• Step 1: Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
• Step 2: Place the dish near ant entry points or trails.
• Step 3: Check and refill the mixture as needed.

7. Chalk

Drawing a line of chalk around entry points can temporarily disrupt ant trails, preventing them from entering your home.

How to Use Chalk:

• Step 1: Draw a thick line of chalk along doors, windows, and other entry points.
• Step 2: Reapply after rain or cleaning to maintain the barrier.

Combining Natural Remedies for Better Results

To increase the effectiveness of your ant control efforts, try combining multiple natural remedies. For instance, clean surfaces with vinegar, then apply peppermint oil or sprinkle cinnamon in key areas to keep ants from returning.

Prevention Tips to Keep Ants Out

Along with using natural remedies, preventing ants from entering your home in the first place is essential. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Seal Entry Points: Check for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Proper Food Storage: Keep food in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
• Regular Cleaning: Sweep and mop floors, wipe down countertops, and take out the trash regularly to eliminate food sources.
• Outdoor Maintenance: Keep your yard tidy by removing debris and trimming vegetation that touches your home, as these can be nesting spots for ants.

By using these natural remedies and following preventive steps, you can keep ants at bay and maintain a pest-free home. If the problem persists, don't hesitate to contact a professional pest control service to handle the infestation safely and effectively.

What to Do If You Can’t Eliminate the Ants

Finding the best solution to your ant problem depends on your environment and the severity of the infestation. While natural methods like borax, diatomaceous earth, essential oils, or vinegar can work wonders for some, others may find these approaches aren’t enough to completely eradicate the ants. No matter which method you try, consistency and persistence are key to keeping your home ant-free.

If you’ve tried several natural remedies and the ants keep coming back, it may be time to call in professional pest control services. While ants might not pose a direct threat to your health, they can still carry bacteria and potentially contaminate food. In the long run, certain species—like carpenter ants—can cause damage to your home’s structure if left unchecked.

Don’t allow an ant problem to worsen. If you’re in Sammamish, WA, reach out to Sammamish Pest Control By Bamboo for expert help in getting rid of ants and protecting your home. Also, take a look at our FAQ guide for more information on how to handle common household pests and ensure your living space stays pest-free!

Additional Pest Articles To Check Out

• Can Construction Lead to Increased Pest Activity?
• What Could Be Causing an Unexpected Influx of Large Flies in My Home?
• Carpenter Ants vs Termites
• What Is The Best Way To Keep Ants Away?