How to Get Rid of Ants the Natural Way

A marching line of ants across your kitchen counter is an unwelcome sight in the morning or any time of the day for that matter. Nobody wants ants in their food, but who wants to resort to using dangerous pesticides? Getting rid of ants in the house and even outside is a twofold process. First, you need to be sure that you are not attracting them with food or dirty dishes; secondly, choose from an arsenal of natural repellents, ranging from vinegar to bay leaves.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Bay leaves
• Baby powder or chalk
• Herbs and spices
• Repellent plants
• Coffee grounds
• Salt

Instructions

1. Remove and seal anything that may be attracting the ants to your home. Ants have a keen sense of smell and can find even the smallest crumb in the pantry.

2. Use a half-and-half mixture of vinegar and water to clean counters, cabinets, floors and anywhere else the ants travel. Vinegar is a natural ant repellent and will remove the scent of their trail. Add some lemon juice for an extra boost.

3. Place bay leaves anywhere the ants are coming in or congregating. Replace the bay leaves every few days or once a week.

4. Sprinkle baby powder or draw a barrier line with plain white chalk to stop ants from invading your home.

5. Shake spices such as red chili powder, black pepper, cinnamon and mint at the places where ants are entering your home and even outside around the base of your house.

6. Plant mint, bee balm, garlic, eucalyptus, clove, mint, rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender or chili peppers outside around your house where ants are common to keep them from invading.

7. Throw old coffee grounds outside around the places where the ants are entering to keep them away. Coffee grounds are an effective natural repellent, but you will need to reapply often.

8. Sprinkle salt where ants are most common in your house or in a line as a barrier. Salt is a natural ant repellent and barrier.

Tips & Warnings

• Different types of ants will have aversions to different kinds of repellents. If one method does not seem particularly effective, try another one. Using a combination will yield even better results. Natural ways to get rid of ants will need to be applied often throughout the day or week depending on the tenacity of the ants in your home.

• According to Green Source Market, plants such as honeysuckle and trumpetcreeper will actually attract ants, so avoid planting these varieties near your home.

Resources

• Natural Insect Pest Control
• Home Remedies for Ants
• Green Source Market