Once ants find a source of food or water, they communicate their discovery to the colony, leading to a full-blown infestation. However, you don’t need to rely solely on chemicals and repellents to keep them at bay. Certain smells are highly unpleasant to ants and can be used as natural deterrents. In this blog, we will explore the scents that ants hate and how you can use them to protect your home.
What Smell Do Ants Hate?
Ants have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which they use to locate food and communicate with each other. While this heightened sense helps them in their survival, it can also be their weakness. Some scents are so overpowering to ants that they actively avoid them. Here are a few smells that ants detest:
1. Vinegar
Ants hate the sharp, pungent smell of vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar disturbs their scent trails, making it harder for them to find food or communicate with other ants. You should spray a mixture of vinegar and water around entry points, and areas where you’ve spotted ants can stop them from coming back.
- Mix vinegar and water (equal parts) in a spray bottle.
- Apply the solution around windows, doors, and any cracks where ants may enter.
2. Peppermint Oil
The strong and minty scent of peppermint oil is highly effective at repelling ants. Not only does the smell overwhelm their senses, but the oil itself can interfere with their ability to communicate using scent trails. Peppermint oil is a great option for a natural ant repellent, and it leaves your home smelling fresh.
- Add 10-15 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle of water.
- Spray it along baseboards, doorways, and other entry points.
3. Citrus
Ants dislike the smell of citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. The natural oils in citrus fruits contain compounds that disrupt the ants’ scent trails. Additionally, the acidic nature of citrus can break down the pheromones that ants use to mark their paths.
- Place lemon or orange peels near ant trails or rub them on surfaces where ants are likely to travel.
- Alternatively, mix citrus essential oils with water and spray in affected areas.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another smell that ants can’t stand. Its strong fragrance disrupts their scent trails and makes it difficult for them to navigate. Additionally, cinnamon contains natural compounds that are toxic to ants, making it a double threat.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon in areas where ants are commonly found.
- You may also use cinnamon essential oil mixed with water as a spray.
5. Garlic
Garlic’s pungent odor can repel ants effectively. The sulfur compounds in garlic give off a strong smell that ants find unbearable. Using garlic as a natural repellent is as simple as placing cloves in areas where you’ve noticed ant activity.
- Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them near entry points.
- For a more potent solution, mix crushed garlic with water and spray it around ant-prone areas.
6. Lavender
While lavender is a popular scent for humans, ants can’t stand its smell. Lavender oil has been found to have insect-repellent properties, making it a good option for keeping ants at bay.
- Place dried lavender around the home, particularly near entry points.
- You may also use lavender essential oil in a spray to create a barrier against ants.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong smell that repels ants. It disrupts their pheromone trails and prevents them from communicating effectively. Plus, tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, making it useful for keeping your home clean as well as ant-free.
- Use a spray bottle filled with water and carefully add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to the water.
- Spray the mixture around entry points, baseboards, and areas where ants are active.
How to Use Natural Ant Repellents in Your Home
Using these natural ant repellents effectively requires some knowledge of where ants are entering and travelling in your home. Follow these steps to make the most of the scents ants hate:
1. Identify Entry Points
Look for areas where ants are entering your home, such as cracks in the walls, gaps under doors, or open windows. Pay attention to where ants are most active, and focus on treating those areas with repellents.
2. Clean Surfaces Regularly
Ants are attracted to food crumbs and sugary spills. Keeping surfaces clean and free of food debris will help prevent ants from finding a reason to enter your home. Wipe down countertops, sweep the floor, and store food in airtight containers.
3. Apply Scent-Based Repellents
Once you’ve identified the entry points, apply the natural ant repellents. You can spray mixtures of essential oils and water directly on surfaces or place items like garlic cloves and citrus peels in areas where ants are likely to travel.
Prevention Tips for Keeping Ants Out
While using scents that ants hate is effective, prevention is always better than treatment. Here are a few additional tips to keep ants out of your home:
- Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk to seal cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and holes near doors to prevent ants from entering.
- Fix leaks: Ants are often drawn to water sources. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to remove any water that might attract them.
- Take out the trash: Ants are drawn to garbage, so regularly taking out the trash will reduce their attraction to your home.
Are Natural Ant Repellents Safe?
Natural ant repellants are safe. Most essential oils and household items used to repel ants are non-toxic to humans and pets, making them an excellent choice for families looking to avoid harsh chemicals. However, some essential oils can be irritating if they come into direct contact with skin, so always dilute them with water before use.
