Home Remedies for Ants in the House

As temperatures rise, ants make their return and can become invasive. Beyond the unpleasant sight of seeing them crawling around our homes and outdoor spaces, they can also cause property damage. In this short guide, we share all our natural tips for effectively getting rid of ants, while protecting your health, that of your pets, and the environment. Also discover our tips for preventing their proliferation and keeping them away for good.

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Why do ants come into the house?

Ants are attracted to food, water and potential shelter that our homes can offer them. They are particularly active in the spring and summer, as they search for food sources for their colony. When they find a source in our homes, they leave behind a scent trail, called a pheromone, which guides other members of their colony to the same source. This often leads to a rapid and persistent infestation.

How to get rid of ants? Our natural remedies

To eliminate ants naturally, while protecting your health, your pets’ health, and the environment, here are our top 8 solutions and home remedies:

  • A mixture of baking soda and sugar: Mix baking soda with granulated sugar and sprinkle the mixture near areas where you’ve seen ants. The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda disrupts their digestive system, leading to their death.

  • White vinegar: Spray pure white vinegar or vinegar diluted with water on areas where ants are present. Vinegar also disrupts pheromones, which disorients the ants and prevents them from finding their way back.

  • Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where ants are moving. This abrasive substance dries out their bodies and leads to their death. Diatomaceous earth, composed of fossilised algae particles rich in silica, is effective against ants. Its microscopic abrasive particles damage the ants’ exoskeleton and absorb the insects’ internal fluids, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die. 

  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon along ant trails or at the edges of entry points to deter them from approaching.

  • Lemon: Rub affected surfaces with lemon peels or spray lemon juice diluted with water to repel ants.

  • Coffee grounds: Sprinkle coffee grounds directly near entrances and windows to keep ants away. The strong smell of coffee masks pheromones and discourages ants from venturing into your home.

  • Hot water: Pour boiling water over ant nest entrances to kill them instantly and deter others from venturing in.

  • Essential oils: Peppermint, lemongrass, lavender and tea tree essential oils are effective natural repellents against ants. To use them: In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with an emulsifier such as natural soap or alcohol, then add water. Spray this mixture around entry points and infested areas to repel ants.

Warning

The use of essential oils requires special care. Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy; keep out of reach of children and pets. Never apply directly to the skin. We encourage you to research the necessary precautions before using them.

To learn more about essential oils with repellent properties, we invite you to consult our short guide: 6 Essential Oils Against Mosquitoes and Insects

Note: Don’t forget to reapply these natural remedies regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Be patient, as it may take some time before you see a significant decrease in the ant population.

How to repel ants? Our tips on habits to adopt

To repel ants and prevent them from multiplying in your home, we recommend adopting a few simple habits and practices, such as:

  1. Regularly clean the surfaces in your home to remove food residue.

  2. Store food in airtight containers.

  3. Repair cracks and gaps around doors and windows to prevent ants from sneaking in.

  4. Regularly check for signs of ants in your home. Regular monitoring will allow you to quickly detect any new infestation and take prompt action to resolve it.

  5. Use natural repellents such as white vinegar, diatomaceous earth, or cinnamon to freshen up your home while keeping ants away.

How to make a natural ant repellent?

Here is our easy recipe for ant powder made with baking soda:


Ingredients

Baking soda

Baking soda

1 tablespoon

Granulated sugar

Granulated sugar

1 tablespoon

Potato Starch

Potato Starch

1 tablespoon

Preparation

1

In a bowl, carefully mix the baking soda, granulated sugar, and potato starch until you obtain a smooth mixture.

2

Sprinkle the powder generously near entrances and in areas where ants are most frequently seen.

3

Pay special attention to door frames, windows, and cracks in the walls through which ants can enter.

4

Reapply regularly, especially after cleaning the area or after rain, to maintain the powder’s effectiveness.

This powder attracts ants thanks to its sweet component. Once consumed, the baking soda disrupts their digestive system, while the potato starch, which swells inside the ants’ bodies, helps eliminate them.

Expert tip

To prevent ants from returning, it’s essential to keep your home clean and tidy. Remove food crumbs, seal food containers tightly, and fix small water leaks to eliminate potential sources of attraction.

Learn more

What scent repels ants?

Certain scents, such as peppermint, lemongrass, lavender, or lemon, are known to repel ants.

Is white vinegar effective against ants?

Yes, white vinegar is effective at keeping ants away thanks to its strong odour, which disrupts their pheromones and disorients them.

Focus on our Naturopathic editor, Stéphanie Catrysse

Stéphanie Catrysse is a naturopath (certified by the FENA), a wellness massage and lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a personal development consultant. 

Passionate about alternative medicine, she practices a holistic approach to health.