It doesn’t matter what type of ants are around your home, you simply want them gone. Whether the ants are inside or building mounds in the yard, you’re probably searching for ways to repel them.
Well, you’re in luck. You can get rid of ants permanently using either natural or chemical methods, and I’m going to lay out all the options below.
Top 4 Ways to Naturally Repel Ants
It’s not always necessary to reach for a bottle of ant poison. There are a few ways you can repel ants naturally. If you have small children or pets around the home, you might not want to run the risk of laying potentially dangerous chemicals.
Vinegar
Vinegar kills and repels ants and is also safe to use.
Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the areas where ants are found. Spraying the ants directly with vinegar will kill them.
After wiping up the deceased ants, coat the areas around windowsills and doors where they normally come inside. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar, by mixing it with three parts of water.
Scents & Aromas
Certain scents will deter ants both indoors and outside.
Peppermint is a natural ant repellant, and it also works on other insects like mosquitos.
Planting mint outside helps prevent ants from building mounds in the area. A few drops of mint essential oil along areas ants frequent inside will keep the bugs from coming in. An added bonus is your home will smell minty-fresh.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an effective, all-natural ant killer. Most insects hate them, and ants are no exception. They can’t stand the stuff, which is great — the smell will also repel them.
It may sound grisly, but when an ant inhales cinnamon, it suffocates and dies. After the cinnamon does the work, all you have left to do is wipe up the counters and floors.
Cinnamon also works outside. Just sprinkle some near the ant mound opening and watch it do its work. Cayenne and black pepper are other spices you can use to repel ants and other pests away from your home and yard.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth isn’t a common staple in most homes. However, the fossilized marine phytoplankton remains are an effective ant repellant.
The white powdery substance also kills ants by causing gradual dehydration. The powder still has sharp edges that can cut through an ant’s exoskeleton resulting in an inability to retain moisture.
It’s not fun when your home is invaded by ants, but you can combat it naturally with items you probably have in the kitchen.
Top 4 Chemical Methods to Kill and Repel Ants
Sometimes the ant invasion is too much to tackle naturally or you don’t have the time to wait until the ant colony is repelled. Luckily, there are chemical methods you can use that won’t be hazardous to your family or pets.
Ant Bait
Ant Bait is a safe way to get rid of ants permanently whether they’re inside or gathering on your patio.
There are two types of ant bait, some are protein-based while others contain carbs. If you’re not sure what type of ants you have, it’s best to get both kinds of bait.
Some ants are driven to search for sugars and others look for protein. Since the poison is inside the trap, it’s less likely to affect others in the household.
Aerosol sprays
Aerosol sprays are inexpensive and easy to find in most stores.
The spray kills ants on contact and leaves a residue behind that creates a temporary barrier. There are also aerosol sprays that won’t get rid of ants instantly, instead allowing the ant to transport the chemicals back to the colony.
It does take a little longer before you notice a decrease in ant traffic, but it is an effective way to permanently get rid of ants in the house.
Ant liquid
Ant liquid is an effective way to get rid of ants outdoors.
You do not want to use the chemical indoors, the fumes are potentially hazardous. The concentrated liquid is sprayed around the perimeter of the home to create a barrier. Spraying it around and in the opening of anthills will kill the colony.
Ant granules
Ant granules work similarly to sprays and liquids. If you have a spreader for fertilizer, you can use it with the granulated ant poison.
Simply spread the granules over and around the anthill. It can also create a perimeter around your house and lawn.
Anytime you use chemicals to repel or kill ants you want to keep kids and pets away from the treated area for a few hours.
Kill and Repel Ants From Around the Home with an Exterminator
Sometimes the ant problem is more than you can handle with natural or store-bought chemical methods. Whether it’s fire ants in your yard or small sugar ants in your cabinets, you want the tiny insects gone.
If you want the ants gone overnight, an exterminator will take care of the problem both in the home and outside. Often professional-grade bait traps are used to kill the ant colony. The long-lasting bait traps continue to work if a new colony tries to move in.
The exterminator can also spray a chemical barrier or use granules across the yard. If chemicals are applied, it’s best to stay off of the lawn for a few hours. A professional exterminator will also treat rooms in your house to prevent ants from coming inside.
Conclusion
You don’t have to live with ants, regardless of the type. There are several ways you can effectively kill and repel ants. Natural methods work great indoors with items you have in the pantry, however, it might be necessary to switch to chemicals if you want the ants gone permanently.
When you can’t resolve the problem yourself, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a professional exterminator. After one visit, you’ll notice your ant problem was eliminated virtually overnight.