How to Get Rid of Ants: 7 Chemical-Free Remedies

1. Peppermint

Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water and spray the mixture around your home where you usually see ants. You can also plant peppermint around your home to deter ants.

2. Lemon

Lemon juice is said to destroy the trail that ants follow. Mix 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water and use it as a spray. Alternatively, you can also place lemon peels in places from where the ants enter.

3. Vinegar

Prepare a solution of equal amounts of water and white vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil to it and shake well. Store this solution and sprinkle it at the points from where the ants enter. Repeat this once daily. This solution may not kill the ants, but definitely keep them away from entering the no-entering zone. Spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you usually see ants coming.

4. Spices

Ants dislike spices like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. The strong and pungent smell simply repels them.

5. Coffee Grounds

Sprinkle coffee grounds near areas that attract ants like plants, pet bowls, and kitchen counters to keep them away.

6. Chalk

Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which helps in keeping ants away. Spraying some powdered chalk in the areas that are the entry points of ants or drawing a line of chalk is believed to be effective in keeping the ants away and temporarily derailing an ant trail.

7. Essential Oils

Aside from peppermint oil, oils like citrus, tea tree, cinnamon, and cedarwood also make great ant-repellent sprays. Spray them in ant-prone areas or use them as a diffuser.