If you have an ant problem, chances are, you’re not thrilled about it. It can be annoying and terrifying to see a bunch of ants marching across your countertop or on the wall. Before you get out the Raid and start dousing every nook and cranny, take a deep breath and consider alternative ways to keep your home ant-free.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of all-natural ways to repel ants in the house and garden. Some of them may not be as effective as those involving harsh chemicals, but they’re cheaper, greener, and much safer. So, if you just can’t bear the thought of leaving your home exposed and defenseless against an incoming army of six-legged predators, you’ll want to give some of these DIY solutions a try.
9 Cinnamon
Ants hate the smell of this spice because it impedes their ability to smell other things, such as food. Sprinkle cinnamon onto areas where they might enter your home, and they won’t bother coming back again.
It works in the garden as well. Just sprinkle some on the soil around plants that are under attack by ants. It will keep them from climbing up the stems and eating the fruits.
8 Citrus
Citrus fruits, scents, and oils are all effective natural repellants. This means that something simple like leaving out orange peels or lemon juice can help to keep your home free from these little pests.
You can also use citrus oils mixed with water to create a natural pest deterrent that you spray around your kitchen or wherever else you’ve noticed the ants making an appearance.
7 Coffee Grounds
If you’re a coffee drinker, then this one is for you. Used coffee grounds are very effective at repelling ants because of their high acidity, which ants do not like. All you need to do is place your used coffee grounds anywhere you have ant problems, and they will avoid it like the plague.
6 White Vinegar
You probably keep this ingredient sitting on your kitchen shelf, but did you know that white vinegar can be used to repel ants? Ants really hate the smell and will avoid any areas you’ve sprayed with it.
To make your own ant repellent spray, mix one cup of water with a quarter cup of white vinegar. Put the solution in a spray bottle, then apply it wherever you see ants or want to prevent them from going. You can also use diluted white vinegar to clean up any spills or food crumbs from countertops and floors in your home.
5 Black Pepper or Cayenne Pepper
Those pesky ants are about to get a spicy surprise. Grab yourself some cayenne pepper or black pepper and sprinkle a bit directly on anthills, pathways, and around the entry points of your home. The smell of the spice will make ants flee and will keep them away.
This method is an excellent natural alternative to using chemical insecticides in your home and garden not only for ants, but also for other household pests like cockroaches.
4 Cloves
Using cloves is also a great way to repel ants. These tiny brown buds give off a strong scent when crushed and sprinkled near ant trails or entry points around your home. They’ll chase away any persistent invaders immediately, You can also put some whole cloves in your pantry or wherever food is stored to prevent ants from searching for food there.
3 Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil may not sound like a likely candidate for an ant repellent, but it’s actually been known to ward off a number of pests. The strong smell of mint makes ants particularly feel unwelcome. They hate peppermint’s minty scent and will scurry away to find other places to invade. Use it in a spray bottle mixed with water or apply the oil directly onto some cotton balls and place them around the house.
2 Cedar
As it turns out, cedar is another fantastic natural ant repellent and can be used in several different ways. One method is to set up a barrier of sorts by lining the perimeter of your home with cedar mulch. Ants hate the smell and will steer clear of the area.
If you have areas in your home where ants are congregating, try sprinkling some cedar chips around those spots. They’ll stay away from those areas as well, You may even want to consider filling a few cloth sachets or decorative bowls with cedar shavings and placing them throughout your living space for an added layer of protection.
1 Cucumber
Cucumbers contain potent compounds that repel ants, and they can be used in various ways to deter them from your home or garden. You can make a cucumber peel tea by submerging the peels in water overnight, then using this solution as a spray around your house or garden. Alternatively, you can place cucumber slices in places where you notice ants coming into your home.
You can also mix cucumber juice with water and spray it around your house as another effective way to deter these unwanted pests. Ants are a pain in the butt, that’s for sure. But you can keep them at bay without using pesticides or calling an exterminator.
Try these natural ingredients to keep them out of your house and garden for good. Also, be sure to clean up spills and crumbs regularly, as this will help discourage ants from coming around in the first place.
