Ants can be a real pain when they invade your home. These tiny pests often sneak in through small cracks and crevices, making their way to your kitchen or pantry in search of food sources.
You don’t need to call an exterminator to get rid of ants. There are several easy and effective DIY methods you can try using items you probably already have at home. These natural solutions are safe for pets and kids, and they can save you money too.
Did you know that the term “sugar ant” is a general term to describe many ants that can eat sugary foods? Before we get into our list of 5 DIY ways to get rid of sugar ants first read this:
Why “Sugar Ants” Is a Generic Term
The term “sugar ants” is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe a variety of ant species that are attracted to sugary substances. However, it doesn’t refer to a specific type of ant. Instead, “sugar ants” can include several different species, some of which prefer to nest outdoors and only venture inside to find sweet treats, while others are more likely to make their homes indoors.
Types of Ants
Outdoor “sugar ants” often include:
- Acrobat ants
- Cornfield ants (Lawn ant)
- False honey ants
- Little black ants
- Rover ants
Indoor “sugar ants” are commonly:
- Argentine ants
- Carpenter ants
- Odorous house ants
- Pavement ants
- Pharaoh ants
Each of these species has its own habits and preferences, but what they all share is a love for sugar, which is why they often get lumped together under the “sugar ants” label. Understanding the specific type of ant you’re dealing with can help you target your pest control efforts more effectively.
Vinegar and Water Solution – Great Way to Repel Sugar Ants
A simple vinegar and water mix can be your go-to solution for dealing with ants in your home. The strong scent of vinegar confuses ants by masking their scent trails, making it harder for them to find food. Use it around all of the potential entry points!
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine and spray along ant trails and entry points.
- Use this spray daily until you see fewer ants; it’s safe for most surfaces but test it first.
Cinnamon Powder – Sugar Ants Hate Cinnamon
Ants detest the smell of cinnamon, making it an effective natural repellent. By strategically placing cinnamon powder around your home, you can keep ants from entering. You can use plenty of other essential oils to repel ants!
- Sprinkle cinnamon powder around entry points like doors and windows.
- Apply a thin line of powder in cracks and crevices where ants might sneak in.
- Mix with water to create a spray for easy application on larger areas.
Borax and Sugar Bait – Easy DIY Solution for Ants
Borax and sugar bait is a powerful DIY method to eliminate ants from your home. The sugar attracts ants, while the borax effectively kills them.
- Mix equal parts of borax and sugar, adding a little water to form a paste.
- Place small amounts on pieces of cardboard or plastic lids near ant trails.
- Allow time for the ants to take the bait back to their colony, eventually eliminating it.
Lemon Juice or Citrus Spray – Ants Don’t Like Citrus
A lemon juice spray is a natural and effective way to deter ants with the power of citrus. The strong smell of lemon disrupts their scent trails, keeping them away.
- Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
- Apply the mixture along ant trails, entry points, and areas where you’ve seen ants.
- Reapply daily or after rain for the best results, and enjoy the fresh lemon scent.
Terro Ant Baits – Best Way to Solve the Ant Problem
Terro ant baits are a tried-and-true method for controlling ants in your home. The bait attracts ants with its sweet liquid, which they carry back to the colony, ultimately eliminating the entire colony.
- Place the baits near ant trails or entry points in your home.
- Expect to see more ants at first as they discover and take the bait.
- Keep the baits out until you no longer see ant activity, replacing them if they dry out or get filled with dead ants.
Understanding Ant Behavior
Ants are tiny but smart creatures. They come into homes looking for food and shelter. Knowing how ants think and act can help you keep them out.
Why Ants Invade Homes
Ants enter houses for a few key reasons. They’re always on the hunt for food and water. Your kitchen is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for them. Crumbs, spills, and open containers are big draws.
Ants also look for cozy spots to build nests. Cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and dark corners are perfect hiding places. Some ants even set up shop inside wood structures, causing damage over time.
Weather can push ants indoors too. When it’s too hot, cold, or wet outside, your home becomes a comfy retreat.
Common Types of Household Ants
Different kinds of ants may show up in your home. Here are some you might see:
- Odorous house ants: These little black ants smell like rotten coconuts when squished.
- Carpenter ants: Big and black, they can damage wood in your house.
- Pavement ants: Small and dark, often found near concrete.
- Argentine ants: Light brown and very social, they form large colonies.
Each type has its own habits. Odorous house ants love sugary foods. Carpenter ants go for damp wood. Pavement ants eat almost anything. Argentine ants work together in big groups.
Knowing which ants you have helps you pick the right way to get rid of them. Look closely at the ants in your home to figure out what kind they are.
Preventing Future Infestations
Stop ants from coming back by storing food properly and blocking their entry points. These steps will help keep your home ant-free for good.
Proper Food Storage Tips
Keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Wipe up spills right away. Store open food in airtight containers. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Put fruit in the fridge or sealed containers. Keep your pantry organized. Check for expired items often. Clean shelves regularly to remove crumbs.
Use plastic or glass containers instead of cardboard boxes. Ants can chew through cardboard easily. Seal bags of sugar, flour, and other dry goods tightly.
Sealing Entry Points
Find and block ant entry points. Check for gaps around windows and doors. Use caulk to seal small cracks and holes. Install weatherstripping on doors and windows.
Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks. Repair any damage you find. Look for gaps where pipes or wires enter your house. Seal these openings with steel wool or caulk.
Trim trees and bushes away from your house. Ants use branches to climb onto your roof. Keep firewood and mulch piles away from your home’s exterior walls.
Natural Ant Repellents
Ants hate strong smells and certain natural substances. You can use these to keep them away from your home without harsh chemicals.
Using Essential Oils
Peppermint oil works great to repel ants. Put a few drops on cotton balls and place them where you see ants. Lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils also help keep ants away.
Mix 10-15 drops of oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray it around doors, windows, and other entry points. The smell will make ants turn around.
You can also make an oil and water solution to wipe down counters and floors. This leaves a scent that ants don’t like.
Creating Natural Barriers
Ants won’t cross lines of certain powders. Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds where ants enter your home.
- Draw lines of chalk around doors or windows. The calcium carbonate in chalk messes up ants’ scent trails.
- Bay leaves are another good option. Put them in cabinets, drawers, and other spots ants like to explore.