5 Proven Ways to Get Rid of Ants Forever (Naturally & Effectively)
Tired of Ants? Here's How to Boot Them Out Naturally—For Good
Ants are the ultimate unwanted visitors. They march across your kitchen countertops, creep into your pantry, and somehow always materialize at the moment you think you've conquered the war.
If you're searching for an effective ant removal solution without chemical sprays or pricey exterminators, you've come to the right place. We've gathered five guaranteed, natural methods of destroying ants for good with cheap tools and remedies—many of which you can purchase online instantly.
Disclosure: Solutions are all safe, natural, eco-friendly, and affiliate-recommended for your convenience. Click the links to buy top-rated ant control products vetted by natural-living households.
Why Are Ants in My House?
Let's get to the remedies, but first, let's figure out what draws ants to your house in the first place.
They're looking for:
- Food – crumbs, spills, sweet treats
- Water – even pipe condensation
- Shelter – cracks, crevices, and wall spaces
If your house provides any of these, ants will arrive. The objective? Repel, disrupt, and eliminate them at the source—chemical-free.
1. Spray Ant Trails with Vinegar and Essential Oils
Ants use scent trails to travel and guide other ants to food. One of the best methods for disorienting them is with a strong-smelling vinegar and essential oil spray.
DIY Natural Ant Repellent Spray:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Shake well in a spray bottle and use to:
- Countertops
- Doorways
- Window sills
- Baseboards
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How it works: The smell overwhelms ant pheromone trails, disrupting communication and sending them packing for good.
2. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Need a pet-and-human-safe ant killer that really kills? Diatomaceous earth (DE) is the answer. Fine powder kills ants but is safe around pets and humans.
How to Use It:
- Lightly dust under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards
- Reapply weekly or after cleaning
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Try Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth—a reliable, pet-friendly formula that will keep on working for months.
How it works: DE gets under the ants' exoskeleton and dries them out. No poison required, and no scent trails to follow.
3. Repel with Ant-Hated Essential Oils
Ants abhor pungent scents, particularly some essential oils. Not only do they keep ants away, but they also make your house smell incredible.
Top Essential Oils for Controlling Ants:
- Peppermint Oil – clean and refreshing
- Tea Tree Oil – antiseptic and strong
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – citrus and strong
- Cinnamon Oil – woody and potent
Instructions:
- Put 10–15 drops in a spray bottle with water
- Spray door frames, cabinetry, baseboards
- Or soak cotton balls and put them behind appliances or pantry foods
Affiliate Tip:
Grab the Fabulous Frannie Bug Away Essential Oil—perfect for ant control and homemade cleaning.
These oils don't just repel ants—they can be part of your home cleaning routine.
4. Get Rid of Food Sources + Close Up Entry Points
Even the most effective deterrents won't help if ants can nevertheless snack at will or tiptoe on in. That's where a bit of preventative maintenance comes in handy.
Quick Fixes:
- Keep pantry items in tightly sealed containers
- Clean surfaces with vinegar daily
- Seal cracks around entries using clear caulk
- Regularly empty trash
- Thoroughly clean pet food stations
Pro Tip: Install door draft stoppers to keep ants from sneaking in under doors.
Affiliate Picks:
- Glass Food Storage Containers – ant-proof dry goods
- Silicone Caulking Kit – seal cracks like a pro
5. Bait Ants with Natural Borax Mix
Occasionally, you must attack the colony at its roots. Homemade ant bait made with borax is a natural yet effective means of eliminating ants from the inside out.
Homemade Borax Bait Recipe:
- 1 tbsp Borax
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- Water to create a paste
Put little amounts in jar tops or bottle caps and leave in ant trails.
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Like a no-mix solution? Use Terro Liquid Ant Baits—mess-free, pre-filled, and top-rated.
⚠️ Borax and baits should always be kept out of reach of children and pets. For pet-safe areas, use bait stations with seals only.
Bonus: Clean with Lemon + Baking Soda
Ants detest citrus and grit—two components you find in lemon and baking soda.
DIY Natural Cleaner:
- Blend lemon juice and baking soda into a paste
- Clean counters, sinks, and trash cans
- Clean with a damp cloth
Affiliate Recommendations:
Not only is it ant-repelling, but it also leaves your kitchen shining!
FAQs: How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally
Q: Can I get rid of ants without chemicals?
Yes. With regular application of these natural measures, you can effectively control and eradicate ants—no toxic sprays needed.
Q: How long?
You can expect to see results in 24–72 hours with baiting, and in days with repellents and prevention.
Q: Are these cures pet-safe?
Yes! Vinegar, essential oils (used responsibly), and food-grade DE are safe options. Do not leave borax bait within reach.
Final Thoughts: Kick Ants Out (Without Kicking Yourself)
Ants may be small, but they're relentless. Fortunately, so are you. With these natural, tried-and-tested approaches, you can reclaim your home—no toxins, no exterminators, no anxiety.
Disclosure: All the products suggested in this article are best-sellers, environmentally friendly, and affiliate-approved. You support the blog at no additional cost to you by shopping through these links. Appreciation!
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