- Food-based ant repellents<\/a><\/li>
- Mineral-based ant deterrents<\/a><\/li>
- Plant-based ant repellents<\/a><\/li>
- Herb ant repellents<\/a><\/li>
- Boiling water<\/a><\/li>
- Biological controls<\/a><\/li>
- Natural barriers<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about natural ways to get rid of ants in your yard and home<\/a><\/li>
- When natural methods aren\u2019t enough<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Food-based ant repellents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Food-based](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/citrus-peels.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Coffee Grounds: Freepik<\/a> , Orange Peels : Freepik<\/a>, Cumumber Peels : Freepik<\/a>, Lemon Peels: Africa Studio<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a>, Grapefruit Peels : volff<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Certain foods and food scraps can act as natural ant repellents, discouraging these tiny pests from hanging out in your yard or entering your space.<\/p>
Coffee grounds<\/span><\/h3>
The intense smell of used coffee grounds confuses ants\u2019 sense of direction and communication, disrupting their behavior. The caffeine in coffee also affects their nervous systems, making them less likely to return to treated areas. <\/p>
Sprinkle grounds around entry points or areas where ants are active. For best results, reapply fresh grounds after rain or heavy watering.<\/p>
Citrus peels<\/span><\/h3>
Ants hate the smell of citrus, and the natural oils in the peels can help deter them. Place lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels in areas where ants tend to gather. <\/p>
You can also blend peels with water to create a spray that works as a natural ant repellent for countertops and entryways. The limonene in citrus is toxic to ants, as it breaks down their exoskeletons upon contact. <\/p>
Cucumber peels<\/span><\/h3>
Cucumbers contain compounds that ants find repulsive. Simply leave fresh cucumber peels in problem areas to drive them away. Bitter cucumbers are the most effective since they contain more cucurbitacin, the natural compound that ants avoid. <\/p>
For an extra boost, blend cucumber peels with a little vinegar and apply the mixture wherever needed.<\/p>
Read more: <\/strong>How to Get Rid of Fire Ants in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>
Mineral-based ant deterrents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Mineral-based](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ant-repellent.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Diatomaceous Earth : SprocketRocket<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0<\/a>, Borax : David Sanabria<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, Chalk: Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you prefer a non-toxic yet effective way to stop ants in their tracks, minerals can be your best friend. <\/p>
Diatomaceous Earth<\/span><\/h3>
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine, dust-like powder made from crushed fossilized algae. As ants walk through it, they become dehydrated and die. <\/p>
To get the most out of DE, you have to apply it correctly, says Earlene Millier, a University of California Master Gardener. <\/p>
\u201cDE must be dry, and it must be applied in a wide but thin layer. Pests will avoid DE if they can, so the best application makes it impossible for them to avoid. Use a bulb duster, a plastic condiment dispenser bottle, or a dry, empty plastic squeeze bottle.\u201d Dispense it along baseboards, windowsills, garden pathways, or anywhere ants are a nuisance. <\/p>
Always go with food-grade diatomaceous earth, as the industrial kind can harm you or your pets. If you\u2019re using it outdoors, reapply after rain or heavy watering.<\/p>
Borax and sugar mixture<\/span><\/h3>
A classic DIY ant killer, this mixture attracts ants with sugar, but the borax disrupts their digestive system, slowly poisoning them. Combine equal parts borax and sugar, dissolve it in water, then soak some cotton balls in the mixture and place them along ant trails.<\/p>
If you\u2019re using dry borax and sugar, place small amounts in bottle caps or jar lids to keep them contained. Keep pets or children out of the area, as borax can make them sick if ingested.<\/p>
Chalk<\/span><\/h3>
Chalk lines around your doorways or windows can confuse ants, making it difficult for them to navigate. The calcium carbonate in chalk interferes with their ability to follow pheromone trails, effectively keeping them out of your home. Plus, ants find chalk abrasive and unpleasant to walk on, so they stay away.<\/p>
The only drawback to chalk is that it can be easily wiped away or washed off, so you\u2019ll need to reapply it frequently. <\/p>
Read more about how to get rid of invasive lawn creatures in our guides:<\/p>
- How to Get Rid of Armyworms<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Cutworms<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Plant-based ant repellents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Plant-based](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/plant-based-ant-repellents.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peppermint Oil: Freepik<\/a>, Tea Tree Oil: Freepik<\/a>, Cloves: Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Plants produce essential oils that naturally repel insects, including ants. <\/p>
Peppermint oil<\/span><\/h3>
Peppermint oil is great for keeping ants out, and it\u2019s a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical products. The strong, minty smell confuses the ants and messes with their ability to communicate and find their way.<\/p>
To use it effectively, add 10 to 15 drops to a spray bottle of water. Shake well and spray along entry points, baseboards, and any cracks where ants might be entering. You can make a bigger batch to keep on hand so the peppermint scent stays fresh. <\/p>
My grandparents once had an ant problem inside their home, so I decided to help. I learned that peppermint oil repels ants, but I went a little overboard and soaked their baseboards in it. The house smelled like a candy shop, and I got a bit lightheaded from all the minty fumes.<\/p>
But the ants? They left. Guess they got lightheaded, too.<\/p>
Tea tree oil<\/span><\/h3>
Tea tree oil has a strong, sharp scent that overwhelms the pheromone trails ants use to navigate, just like coffee grounds. The powerful smell acts as a natural repellent, disorienting the ants and making it hard for them to follow or lay new trails. Besides, it forms a barrier that ants would prefer to avoid.<\/p>
Combine 5 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water, then spray the mixture around areas such as under the sink, near trash cans, and in corners. For an even stronger barrier, consider pairing tea tree oil with peppermint oil or vinegar. <\/p>
Alternatively, place tea tree oil-soaked cotton balls in drawers or closets to keep ants at bay.<\/p>
Cloves<\/span><\/h3>
Cloves naturally repel ants thanks to eugenol, the key compound that disrupts scent trails and prevents ant nesting. Basically, eugenol is a mild insecticide.<\/p>
Place whole cloves in trouble spots, such as pantry shelves or windowsills, or crush them for a stronger effect. This releases more of their potent oils into the air. <\/p>
Unlike chemical sprays, cloves are a safe alternative, especially around kids or pets. Plus, they\u2019ll leave your home smelling spicy and cozy.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> Pros and Cons of Ants in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>
Herb ant repellents<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Herb](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Herb-ant-repellents.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bay Leaves: Freepik<\/a>, Tansy: natalya2015<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> You can use certain herbs as natural ant repellents by placing them in key spots around your home or garden.<\/p>
Bay leaves<\/span><\/h3>
Bay leaves are a simple, natural, aromatic way to keep ants out of your home. Their strong scent masks ant trails, making it harder for the pests to navigate your space. Plus, bay leaves are non-toxic and safe to use around pets and children.<\/p>
Just place whole leaves in cabinets, pantries, or anywhere you\u2019ve seen ants. Since the scent wears off with time, swap them out every few weeks for continued protection.<\/p>
Tansy<\/span><\/h3>
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare<\/em>) is a hardy herb that naturally repels ants, thanks to the toxic compound thujone. Besides keeping ants away, Tansy can brighten up your garden with its cheerful yellow flowers.<\/p>
Plant it near doorways, windows, or foundation cracks to stop ants from entering your home. Alternatively, crush the leaves to release their potent oils and scatter them in areas where ants are active. <\/p>
- How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs<\/a><\/li>
- Mineral-based ant deterrents<\/a><\/li>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_ant-colony-v2.jpg\")
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/cinnamon-salt.jpg\")