How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally

 

 

 

 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an effective household ant repellent. Its smell discourages ants from entering your house and scrounging in your kitchen.

According to a 2014 study published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, cinnamon essential oil yields positive results in both repellency and insecticidal activity.

  • Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon essential oil in a cup of water.
  • Soak a cotton ball in this solution and wipe down the areas where ants may enter and dwell.
  • Repeat once daily until all the ants are gone.
  • You can also put ground cinnamon and whole cloves near entry points.

Vinegar

White vinegar will also send an eviction notice to ants on your premises. They cannot bear its strong smell. In addition, the smell masks their scent trails, making them lose their direction.

  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
  • Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
  • Add a few drops of any essential oil and shake the bottle thoroughly.
  • Spray this solution around baseboards and other entry points.
  • After an hour, wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them.
  • Repeat once daily until the ants are completely gone

You can also use this vinegar solution to clean floors, windowsills and countertops to prevent ants from crawling over these surfaces.

Lemon

To make your kitchen and other areas of your house ant-proof, try lemon. The smell deters ants and its acidic property masks their scent trails.

  • Rub some lemon juice on door thresholds, windowsills and other possible areas where ants are getting in.
  • Another option is to put a few drops of lemon essential oil on cotton balls and leave them in cabinets and other areas as needed.
  • Scatter small slices of lemon peel around outdoor entrances.

Use these remedies every few days until the ants are completely gone.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural insect repellent that can effectively keep ants away. Ants hate its strong smell, which also disrupts their smelling capabilities so they cannot detect food sources.

  • Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 cup of water. Spray the solution on all areas where ants are present. Repeat twice daily, until the ants are gone completely.
  • Sprinkle some dried peppermint around your doors, entryways and garbage areas to repel ants.
  • You can even grow peppermint plants in your kitchen garden.