How to Get Rid of Ants Fast and Naturally (10 Simple Strategies)

Ants find their way into people’s homes in most warm or rainy seasons where moisture is most common.

The Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project announced that ants live in colonies and are extremely social.

Most colonies consist of hundreds of ants, but the population can depend on the species.

The most common types of ants that are found in homes are pavement, carpenter, odorous, and pharaoh house ants.

These types of ants cause more than just property damage but also can destroy food in your house, tear away plants, and even cause painful bites.

The best way to get rid of these pesky insects is harmful pesticides, but over the years more natural and non-toxic treatments arose.

However, they do take longer to kill the infestation but a better solution in the long haul.

If you have ever wondered how to get rid of ants naturally, check out below the top 11 natural ways to rid your house of ants.

White Vinegar

Ants have a strong distaste for the smell of white vinegar since it’s so strong.

Along with the distaste, the vinegar hides the trails ants make around the house which ends up with aiding in them getting lost and disorganized.

How to use:

1. Combine vinegar and water in equal amounts.
2. Place the mixture in a spray bottle to spray the affected areas of the house.
3. Don’t forget to add a few scented oil drops to not having your place smelling like vinegar!
4. Spray on damp parts and entry points of your home such as your basement and bottom of door.
5. Each day gather the diseased ants and place them in the trash.
6. Repeat every day until you don’t have to toss out ants anymore.

Also, you can use this solution anywhere.

Windows, countertops, etc. anywhere there may be an ant lurking.

Cinnamon

Not just a delicious addition to any food dish, but can be used as a great natural ant repellent.

The smell of cinnamon not only stops ants from entering your home but also stops them from wanting to be hiding in your kitchen.

The International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications underwent a study in 2014 proving that cinnamon repelled most insects within a nearby range.

1. Place anywhere from ¼-½ of cinnamon essential oil in a cup of water.
2. Place multiple cotton balls in the mixture and place or wipe where ants usually travel or where you put food and essential household items.
3. Repeat daily until you don’t see any more ants.
4. Feel free to place ground cinnamon near entry points such as under doors and windows.

It’s important to note not to put cinnamon everywhere.

Excess amounts can attract insects as well as repel them.

Borax

Borax is extremely toxic to ants making it a useful tactic to get rid of them.

It works by being consumed by ants in which it kills them over a period of hours.

How to use:

1. Place borax and jelly in an equal amount on a plate where ants usually gather.
2. Another alternative is to mix borax and sugar at a 1:3 ration, adding water to provide a more syrup look and place where ants gather.
3. Another great option is to mix borax, cornmeal, and water and spread it where ants gather.

Always remember that Borax is toxic and to keep away from younger children and pets.

Peppermint

Simply put, ants hate peppermint.

It is one of the best home remedies for ants that can actually stop ants from detecting food.

How to use:

1. Place a few drops of peppermint essential to water, pour in a spray bottle, and spray where ants gather.
2. Spread ground peppermint under doorways and windowsills or any other entry point.

Lemon

Lemon can distract ants and hide their trails making them lost and disorganized.

This makes it a perfect kitchen ant killing option.

How to use:

1. Spread small amounts of lemon juice under entryways such as doors and windowsills.
2. Dip cotton balls in lemon juice and wipe them in ant-prone areas of your house.
3. Leave lemon peels around your house where ants usually gather.
4. Continue using any of these options until you no longer see ants.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

A unique option of how to get rid of ants naturally is Food-grade diatomaceous earth or DE for short.

This substance is made of fossilized phytoplankton.

The fossilized plankton can cut through an ant’s body causing them to bleed out until they are completely dry.

How to use:

1. Leave a small line of DE under entryways or any other popular place where ants may gather in your house.
2. Repeat until ants are completely gone.

Keep in mind to never wet the DE or this method will not work.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper has a strong smell that can deter ants from food.

It can also cause them to split apart from their colonies and homes, which can end up killing them within days.

How to use:

1. Spread a thin amount of pepper powder where ants usually gather.
2. For an alternative option, sprinkle pepper and turmeric powder for a stronger effect.

Cucumber Peel

Cucumber peels are a great way to get rid of ants since they hate the taste but will leave your home smelling refreshed.

This is one of the most effective home remedies for ants.

How to use:

1. Peel a cucumber and leave the peels where ants usually gather.
2. Replace when peels dry up too much.
3. Repeat until ants are entirely gone from your home.

Liquid Dish Soap

Dish soap can cause ants to suffocate, which will kill them.

Also, be sure to try this on cockroaches as well!

How to use:

1. Combine a teaspoon of dish soap and baking soda in about a cup of water and spread along entryways or where ants usually gather.
2. Feel free to put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray on live ants, this will kill them in a matter of hours. After that, just pick them up and they will be gone for good.

Alcohol

Does not matter if it’s rubbing alcohol or drinking alcohol, either one can be used to create an effective natural ant repellent.

How to use:

1. Mix one part rubbing alcohol or vodka with one part water.
2. Put in a spray bottle.
3. Spray ant trails and points of entrance.
4. Reapply every couple of days as necessary.

Clean Your House

The absolute best way to keep ants out of the house is by keeping it spotless.

In order to keep your home clean and ant free, consider doing the following:

• Dirty dishes should not be left out or in the sink.
• Try to keep all surfaces clean and free of clutter, including cabinets, countertops, and floors.
• Also clean windowsills and furniture on a regular basis.
• If you have any food on the counter, cover it tightly. You can also try putting bowls of food on a plate containing a small amount of water. This will keep the ants from getting near the food.
• Ensure garbage cans have tightly sealed lids.
• Ensure food containers also have tightly sealed lids, especially those containing sweet foods like syrup, sugar, and honey.
• Do not leave moisture to accumulate anywhere, especially countertops.
• Clean up any food or liquid spills as immediately as they happen.
• Scan your house for cracks around doors and windows. Seal them up with store bought sealants or caulk.