It's a common scene: You walk into your kitchen and find a trail of ants. Maybe you left some food in the sink, or maybe their appearance is a mystery. Regardless, you want to know how to get rid of those ants, and fast. We're here with the permanent solutions that will help you return to your ant-free home as soon as possible.
Ants can be a problem both inside and outside of the home We have some natural solutions to get rid of the bugs without chemicals. And if you find other pests in your home, learn how to get rid of fruit flies, how to get rid of gnats, how to get rid of stink bugs, and how to get rid of carpenter ants before the damage is done (talk about destructive!).
How to Get Rid of Indoor Ants Permanently
- Clean the problem area. Step one is to get to the bottom of what's attracting the ants in the first place. Whether it’s a sticky drip of honey down the side of a jar or a stray spoon in the sink, there’s always a source. Clean up whatever has attracted your new tenants, and if you're lucky, they just might move out on their own.
- Stop the ants with vinegar. Teams of scout ants search for food using pheromones. These pheromones leave behind a trail for other ants to follow, so simply sweeping the ants away won’t cut it. You have to destroy their tiny trail, and you can do that with a mix of one part vinegar to three parts water. Simply spray it anywhere you've spotted ants.
- Use scents ants hate. To eliminate ants naturally, mix peppermint or lavender oil (two scents ants hate) with water and spray mixture on entry points like windowsills or door frames. If you decide to take the chemical route, look for a product with boric acid, and make sure to carefully read the instructions. (Some can be harmful to pets and small children.)
- Wait it out. Once you set out the repellents, avoid the temptations to kill any ants. They’re going to do all the hard work for you and take the poisonous bait back to the nest.
How to Get Rid of Outdoor Ants
- Search for the source. Look for ant beds in your yard or along your home's foundation. Carpenter ants tend to hide in damaged or wet wood, so inspect tree stumps, wood piles, damaged trees, old patio furniture, and any outdoor structures.
- Use boiling water. Once you’ve found the nest, pour boiling water over the ant hill or spot treat with an outdoor insecticide.
- Maintain your yard. A well-kept property is the easiest way to keep ants at bay. Keep a watchful eye for branches, bushes, or shrubs that touch your house and can provide easy access for ants to make their way inside.
How to Keep Ants Out of Your Home For Good
- Seal all entry points. Caulk and seal any cracks or exposed crevices in doors and windows.
- Hide the sweets. Black garden ants (fun fact: they're actually dark brown!) are the most likely invaders. Keep food—especially honey, maple syrup, and sugar—in airtight containers or tightly wrapped with foil or plastic wrap.
- Do your chores. Regularly clean countertops, floors, cabinets, and pantries where crumbs are most likely to hide. Keep your pet's food properly stored between feedings and regularly clean pet bowls.
- Take out the trash. Make sure trash cans (especially in the kitchen!) are covered and inspect the can for any residue that might be lingering after you take out the garbage.
When to Call the Pros
If a handful of ants turns into an army and you've tried everything, you might just have an infestation on your hands. Call in an expert to inspect your home. They can identify the ant species and properly exterminate them.
Store-bought Ant Killers
EcoRaider Ant Killer
Safe for both indoor and outdoor use; also kills bed bugs.
TERRO Liquid Ant Baits
These pre-filled liquid traps attract ants fast.
ORTHO Fire Ant Killer
Use this to say so long to fire ants.
Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray
This spray uses essential oils and is safe for pets and children.
Maribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When she’s not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.
