5 All-Natural Repellents to Keep the Ants Out For Good

Gourmandize

Especially during the warmer months, many of us struggle to keep ants from making their way into our homes, in the masses. We buy every kind of repellent we can find at the store, but these products are all filled with chemicals that not only smell awful, but are also harmful to breathe in.

Luckily, though, there are other options! Did you know that some of the everyday household items you have at your disposal right now are effective in warding off the ants?

Here are 5 all-natural, safe ant repellents:

1. Cinnamon

Most humans love the smell of cinnamon, but ants? Not so much. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon at entry points in your house, or use cinnamon essential oil for an even more powerful treatment: just mix a 1/2 tsp into a cup of water, then use a cotton ball to apply it. Repeat this every day until you no longer see any ants.

2. Lemon

Not only does this citrus smell deter ants, but its acidity stops them from sniffing out their trail. Use pure lemon juice to wipe down any areas that ants are using to come inside. You can also leave bits of lemon peel outside near entrances.

3. White Vinegar

Like lemon, vinegar will also block out ants' ability to find their scent trail, and its strong odor will also steer them away. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, add a few drops of an essential oil, then use a spray bottle to spritz down affected areas. Repeat this daily until the ants stop.

4. Cayenne Pepper

This stuff is hot, and just like it can mess with our senses, it does the same for ants. And if they can't smell your food, they'll start looking somewhere else! Just sprinkle some cayenne pepper powder around your doorways, window sills, or anywhere else you notice ants.

5. Dish Soap

Dish soap is a surprisingly great ingredient to solve your ant problem. Mix 1 tsp of it and1 tsp of baking soda in a cup of water, then spread the mixture at entry points. To wipe out an ant invasion that's already present in your home, add one part dish soap with two parts water in a spray bottle, shake it up, then spray it directly on the ants. Wipe them up with a paper towel afterward.

Know another secret to warding off ants? Share it in the comments!

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