Ants can be amazingly persistent guest in the pace , but you do n’t have to make for harsh chemicals to send them packing . I ’ve tried plenty of natural tricks that actually work without harm the garden or the environment .
From everyday kitchen staples to clever plant - based remedies , these solutions make it easygoing to keep ants at bay . It feels great knowing you ’re protect your outdoor space the natural way .
Give these 15 ideas a shooting , and say goodbye to those bantam invaders for goodness !
1. Boiling Water
Nothing beats the simplicity of stewing water for targeting ant hills directly . Just heat up a boiler , carefully carry it to the hill , and swarm the blister liquid right into the nest entrance .
This method acting delivers immediate results by destroying the colony structure and extinguish many ant immediately . For best effectiveness , repeat the intervention several multiplication over a hebdomad , as some deep chambers might survive the first inundation .
2. Diatomaceous Earth
This powdery substance looks harmless to us but work like microscopic razor blade against ant . The . was crosed by n’t
The tiny fossilized remains cut through insects ’ exoskeleton , cause them to desiccate and die . verify to use food - class diatomaceous world if you have pets or child , and reapply after rain since wet renders it uneffective .
3. Cinnamon
Your favorite baking spice doubles as an effectual ant hindrance . Ants absolutely hate the potent smell of cinnamon and will avoid crossing paths where it ’s been sprinkled .
make protective barriers around garden beds , terrace edge , or entryways by laying down a generous line of ground cinnamon . you could also mix cinnamon essential oil with water in a spraying bottleful for a more potent solution that leaves your pace smelling cheerily spicy .
4. Vinegar Spray
A elementary concoction of equal parts white acetum and H2O creates a knock-down ant - repelling spraying . The acidic nature interrupt their scent trails , confusing the worker and preventing them from communicate .
Spray directly on ant pathways , around foundations , and near introduction points . While the smell disperse rapidly for world , ants will detect it for years . add a few drop of lemon indispensable oil boosts effectiveness and supply a fresher scent .
5. Coffee Grounds
Do n’t toss those used java grounds after brewing your morning cup ! Spread them around plant , garden beds , or straight on ant hills to drive the insect away .
The strong odor confuses ants and disrupts their scent trails , while the caffeine message acts as a natural pesticide . As an added bonus , java grounds improve dirt caliber as they decompose , feeding your plants while deter pests in one eco - friendly step .
6. Peppermint Oil
The refreshing scent world love is absolutely intolerable to ants . Mix 10 - 15 drops of Mentha piperita essential oil with H2O in a spray bottle and target ant trails , entry points , and problem areas .
The knock-down aroma mask their scent trail and annoy their sensory organs , causing colonies to relocate . For stronger protective covering , overcharge cotton balls in pure peppermint oil and put them strategically around your pace , refreshing every few days as the scent fades .
7. Cucumber Peels
Those bitter compound that some citizenry savor in cucumber skin ? ant absolutely detest them . maintain your cucumber Peel after making a salad and place them near ant trail or problem areas .
The acrimonious compound in cucumber skin act as a natural repellent that sends ants search for less offensive territory . Replace the peels every twosome of days as they dry out , or blend them with water to create a spray for longer - last effect around your yard ’s perimeter .
8. Lemon Juice
newly - squeezed lemon juice creates an acidic environment that ants avoid at all costs . The citrus aroma also disrupts their chemical trails , preventing proper communicating between scouts and the colony .
Mix equal part lemon juice and H2O in a spraying bottle and use to introduction points , patios , and anywhere you descry ant action . For enhanced effectiveness , add gamboge peels to a pot of H2O , boil for 10 minutes , and use this concentrated citrus solution as your ant deterrent .
9. Chalk Lines
Drawing thick line with ordinary chalk creates a calcium carbonate barrier that most ants decline to cross . The powdery texture interfere with their ability to detect pheromone trail , basically make an invisible wall .
pull protective boundaries around garden beds , along your place ’s foundation , or anywhere you need ant - free zone . Rain will rinse away your chalk barrier , so this method work best in covered areas or during dry spells , necessitate regular reapplication after wet weather condition .
10. Cornmeal
This pantry staple works through a deceptively simple mechanism . ant carry the Indian meal back to their colony as food , but they can not actually digest it , leading to famishment over time .
scatter cornmeal liberally near ant hills and along their pathways . Unlike instant killer , this method takes forbearance – it may take several weeks to see consequence as the colony bit by bit weakens . The vantage is its complete refuge around children , pet , and beneficial insects .
11. Borax and Sugar
Create an resistless but lethal come-on by mixing equal parts borax and refined sugar with enough water to organize a paste . The angelic smell attract worker ants who carry the concoction back to their queen regnant .
Place small amounts on bottleful cap or jar eyelid around your yard where you ’ve spotted ant activity . Keep this solution off from pets and children as borax can be harmful if ingested . Within days , you ’ll notice significantly reduced ant population as the settlement consumes the toxicant treat .
12. Baking Soda
Common baking soda creates a deadly chemical reaction when consume by ant . Mix equal part baking soda and powdered refined sugar – the sugar attracts the ants while the baking sodium carbonate eliminates them .
scatter this mixture near ant hills and along their traveling routes . The . was consumeed by ants This method acting is particularly effective for larger colonies that need more substantial intervention .
13. Cayenne Pepper
The same spicy kick that light up your taste buds creates an impassable barrier for ant . Sprinkle cayenne common pepper generously around garden beds , along foundations , or directly on ant trails to send them packing .
The capsaicin chemical compound annoy ants ’ feet and antenna , make areas treated with cayenne highly uncomfortable for them to traverse . For a more potent solution , mix cayenne with water and a drop of dish soap to create a spraying that lodge to surface longer .
14. Orange Peels
Before tossing your orange peels into the compost , put them to work as ant deterrents . The d - limonene in citrus oil of course repels and even kills ant on physical contact .
Place bracing orange Peel around garden bed , near ant trails , or directly on anthills . it ’s possible to also create a powerful spraying by simmer orange Peel in H2O for 15 proceedings , then add a splash of dish soap . The resulting citrus spray delivers a one - two clout against persistent ant colonies .
15. Companion Planting
Certain plants naturally repel ants with their potent scents or secretions . Incorporating mint , tansy , pennyroyal , or lilac throughout your yard creates populate ant barriers that work continuously .
Plant these natural repellents around garden borders , near patios , or in container position at entry points . As an added welfare , many ant - repelling plant attract beneficial insects and pollinators . This long - term answer turn more effectual each season as your ant - deterring garden matures .
