If you want to reduce ants without using chemical pesticides, the most effective approach is to combine removing what attracts them, blocking entry points, and using low-toxicity deterrents.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants
- Remove food sources
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and food residue.
- Store sugar, snacks, and pet food in sealed containers.
- Wipe counters regularly, especially around sweet foods.
- Clean ant trails
- Ants leave scent trails that guide other ants.
- Wipe trails with soapy water or a vinegar-and-water solution to help remove these scent markers.
- Seal entry points
- Check for cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and baseboards.
- Use caulk or weather stripping to block common entry routes.
- Use natural deterrents
Some scents may discourage ants from traveling through certain areas:
- Peppermint oil diluted with water and sprayed near entry points
- Cinnamon around small problem areas
- Clove, citrus peels, or bay leaves in cupboards
(These usually act as repellents rather than eliminating the colony.)
- Keep outdoor areas less attractive
- Trim plants touching walls or windows.
- Remove piles of leaves, wood, or debris near the house.
- Fix leaking taps or damp areas where ants may seek water.
- Use diatomaceous earth carefully
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can damage insects’ outer coating and may help around dry cracks and entry areas. Avoid breathing the dust and keep it away from children and pets while applying. - Find and address the nest
If ants keep returning, the colony may be nearby. Following their trail can help locate nests, which may need targeted treatment.
A note about “instant” remedies
Many home remedies only repel ants temporarily. To get lasting results, focus on removing food sources and preventing access. If you have carpenter ants, large infestations, or ants causing structural damage, professional identification may be helpful.
