What’s The Most Effective Way To Keep Ants Out?

Best Ways to Keep Ants Out of Your Home

Ants can become an annoying issue, especially when they start infiltrating your kitchen or taking over your yard. While there are plenty of options for dealing with ants, focusing on natural deterrents can often be an effective, eco-friendly way to keep them away. Here are some tried-and-true methods to help prevent ants from invading your home.

Natural Methods to Keep Ants Out of Your Home

Natural remedies for ant control are often preferred for their safety and eco-friendliness. While there are many options to choose from, it’s important to understand how each works to get the best results. Here are some of the most effective methods for repelling ants using natural ingredients.

1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. It works by damaging the exoskeletons of ants, causing them to dehydrate and die.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth:

• Step 1: Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the powder.
• Step 2: Sprinkle DE in areas where ants are active, like windowsills, baseboards, and doorways.
• Step 3: Reapply after cleaning or if the powder becomes wet.

Note: Make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other forms may be harmful to pets and children.

2. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a strong natural ant repellent. Its scent interferes with the ants' scent trails, making it harder for them to navigate.

How to Use Peppermint Oil:

• Step 1: Mix 10-20 drops of peppermint oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the mixture along entry points like doors, windows, and ant trails.
• Step 3: Reapply as needed, especially after cleaning.

Note: Keep pets away from treated areas, as peppermint oil can be toxic to some animals.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is an inexpensive and effective way to disrupt ants’ pheromone trails, preventing them from finding their way into your home.

How to Use Vinegar:

• Step 1: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray directly on ants and along entry points.
• Step 3: Wipe the area clean and reapply regularly.

Note: Test vinegar on a small surface area first, as it can damage some materials.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another natural ant deterrent. Its strong scent masks the ants' trails and can even suffocate them if applied directly.

How to Use Cinnamon:

• Step 1: Sprinkle ground cinnamon around entry points, windows, and along ant trails.
• Step 2: Reapply after cleaning or rain.
• Step 3: For longer-lasting results, use cinnamon essential oil diluted in water.

5. Borax

Borax is a mineral that, when mixed with a sugary bait, attracts ants and ultimately kills them by disrupting their digestive system.

How to Use Borax:

• Step 1: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of borax with 8 teaspoons of sugar and 1 cup of water.
• Step 2: Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them near ant trails.
• Step 3: After the ants have consumed the bait, discard the cotton balls and clean the area.

Note: Keep borax away from pets and children, as it can be harmful if ingested.

6. Lemon Juice

The acidity of lemon juice destroys ants’ scent trails, and its fresh citrus scent acts as a natural repellent.

How to Use Lemon Juice:

• Step 1: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the solution around entry points, windowsills, and baseboards.
• Step 3: Reapply after cleaning or when the scent fades.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Ants Away

To maximize the effectiveness of these natural remedies, it’s important to also take preventative steps. Here’s what you can do to reduce the likelihood of ants entering your home:

• Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation of your home.
• Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and take out the trash regularly to eliminate potential food sources.
• Yard Maintenance: Keep bushes trimmed, remove debris, and store firewood away from your house to discourage ants from nesting nearby.

Combining these natural methods and prevention strategies can provide lasting relief from ant invasions, keeping your home pest-free without the need for harsh chemicals. If the problem persists, consider contacting professional pest control services to help eliminate the ants and prevent future infestations.

What to Do If Natural Methods Don’t Eliminate the Ants

Finding the right deterrent for ants can sometimes depend on the specific conditions of your home and the species of ants you’re dealing with. While natural remedies like borax, diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and vinegar can work well, consistency and regular application are crucial to maintaining an ant-free environment. However, if these methods aren’t enough, it might be time to take additional steps.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’ve tried various natural methods but the ants keep returning, it’s a good idea to reach out to a pest control expert. Ants, while not typically harmful to humans, can still carry bacteria, contaminate food, and in some cases, cause structural damage. A pest control professional can help identify the root cause of the infestation and offer tailored solutions to eradicate the ants completely.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

Even if ants seem harmless, ignoring an infestation can lead to bigger problems down the road. Some species of ants can damage wood structures, while others may spread bacteria around your home. By contacting a professional service early on, you can protect your home and family from further damage.



If you’re in the Kennewick, WA area and struggling to eliminate ants, Kennewick Pest Control By Bamboo can help. Our team of experts will assess the situation and develop a plan to rid your home of ants and prevent them from returning. Reach out today and take the first step toward a pest-free home. For more information, explore our FAQ guide on pest control and common household pests!