How to Stop Ants from Coming in the House?

Despite being tiny and often unassuming, ants can be a huge nuisance when they invade our homes. They are constantly on the lookout for food, water, and shelter, making kitchens and bathrooms prime targets. Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemicals that can harm humans, pets, and the environment.  Fortunately, there are a number of safe and natural alternatives to using potentially toxic substances to get rid of ants. Natural ant repellents provide a secure and environmentally beneficial alternative for repelling these unwanted guests. This guide will explore various natural methods to stop ants from coming into your house, ensuring your living space remains comfortable and pest-free.

Understanding Why Ants Invade

Ants enter homes in search of food, shelter, and water. They are attracted to sugary substances, and even small crumbs can draw them inside. Understanding their behavior helps effectively prevent them. Now, let’s explore some natural ant repellents that can help keep them out.

Natural Ant Repellents

Using natural ant repellents is a smart and eco-friendly way to keep ants out of your home. Below are a few natural remedies that can be easily used in your household. Vinegar Solution Why It Works: Ants dislike the smell of vinegar. It disrupts their scent trails. How to Use: In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray this solution along entry points, windowsills, and areas where ants are seen. Lemon Juice Why It Works: Lemon juice masks ant scent trails. How to Use: Spray fresh lemon juice around entry points. You can also place lemon peels in these areas. Essential Oils Why It Works: Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are strong ant deterrents. How to Use: Prepare a mixture of 10ml essential oil and one cup of water. Spray the mixture along baseboards, doorways, and other ant entry points. Cinnamon Why It Works: Cinnamon disrupts the scent trails and can even kill ants on contact. How to Use: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place cinnamon sticks near ant-prone areas. Natural repellents to stop ants from entering the house might be enough for a small number of ants. In case of an infestation, our ant pest control professionals provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively. 

Prevention Tips

To further protect your home, consider these preventive measures. Keeping ants out is easier than getting rid of them once they’ve established a presence.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly clean countertops, sweep floors, and take out the trash. Ensure no food crumbs are left out.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect and fill cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and any other openings to prevent ants from entering.

3. Store Food Properly

Keep food in airtight containers. Don’t pet food out for extended periods.

4. Maintain Dryness

Fix leaky pipes and faucets. Keep bathrooms and kitchens dry as ants seek out water sources. A few precautions can make your home less attractive to ants and help you avoid infestations altogether. For additional resources on ant control and DIY solutions, visit our Control and DIY Guide sections.

Natural Ant Control: Myths & Facts

There are several myths about natural ant control methods. However, the truth is often different. Below are some common myths and the facts that debunk them.  Myth: Ants are repelled by cucumbers. Fact: Cucumbers can keep ants away, but no scientific support exists for this. More dependable are tried-and-true remedies like vinegar and aromatic oils. Myth: Ants can’t enter because of chalk lines. Fact: Chalk doesn’t create a strong barrier, but it can momentarily obstruct their smell traces. Ants are still able to navigate over or around chalk. Myth: Ants are permanently repelled by lemon juice. Fact: Although lemon juice can momentarily cover up fragrance trails, repeated reapplication is necessary for long-lasting effects. Myth: Entire ant colonies are destroyed by boiling water. Fact: Although boiling water rarely reaches deeper areas of the colony, it may kill ants close to the surface. Ant baits are more effective at locating nests. Myth: Vinegar is a permanent solution for ants. Fact: Vinegar can disrupt scent trails initially but requires regular application, as ants may re-establish trails after the scent fades.

Why Choose Pest Exterminators?

With expertise in handling different species and effective pest control strategies, we ensure your home remains ant-free. Our professionals understand the best ways to target ant colonies and other pest problems, providing long-lasting relief without compromising safety. Need an estimate for pest control? Our team is standing by, ready to help. Get A Risk Free Estimate.