19 Effective and Simple Ways to Get Rid of Ants in House

Are you ready to get rid of ants in house?

Today, we’re unveiling the ultimate guide to conquer the ant invasion once and for all. From powerful remedies to expert tips, we’ve got you covered.  

No more ants ruining your day – let’s reclaim your space and show them who’s boss! So, gear up and let’s march into battle against these tiny foes! 

What Attracts Ants to My House? 

First things first, let’s understand what’s drawing these ants to your home like a magnet. By knowing their reasons for invading, you can take proactive steps to prevent their unwelcome entry. 

Food Sources 

Ants are masters at finding food, and they’ll gladly set up camp if they come across a tasty buffet in your house. Crumbs on the kitchen counter, spilled sugar in the pantry, or even a forgotten piece of fruit on the dining table can all attract these hungry critters. Seal food in airtight containers, wipe down surfaces, and clean up spills promptly to send them searching elsewhere.

Water Source 

Ants, like all living beings, need water to survive. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or even pet water bowls can provide the hydration they seek. Check for and fix any water-related issues in your house, and ants will have to look for their water elsewhere. 

Nesting Place 

Ants need a safe and cozy spot to call home. They love making nests in warm, damp areas like wall voids, under sinks, or near your house’s foundation. Reducing excess moisture in your home and sealing cracks can make it less inviting for them to settle down. 

How to Find Black Ant Nests in My House? 

Now that we know what attracts ants, let’s talk about the black ant nests specifically. These little guys can be persistent, so locating their hideouts is essential to effectively deal with them. 

To find black ant nests, start by observing their trails. Ants leave scent trails to guide others to food sources, and by following their path, you can track down their nest. Once you’re close, keep an eye out for small openings or crevices where they might be entering and exiting. 

Tips to Get Rid of Ants in Your House 

Now that we’ve covered the essentials let’s dive into some tried-and-true methods to evict these unwanted house guests: 

• Clean, Clean, Clean: Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen, dining area, and pantry. Wipe down surfaces, sweep the floors, and take out the trash regularly. 
• Seal the Crumbs Away: Keep food in tightly sealed containers and don’t leave crumbs lying around. Ants can pick up even the tiniest of morsels! 
• Fix Leaks and Moisture Issues: Repair any leaks or water-related problems in your home. Dry environments are less appealing to ants. 
• Natural Repellents: There are some scents ants can’t stand, like peppermint, cinnamon, or citrus. Use these as natural repellents to keep them at bay.

• Create Barriers: Ants won’t cross certain substances, so you can create barriers using things like diatomaceous earth, chalk, or even vinegar. 
• Block Entry Points: Seal any cracks or openings where ants might be getting in. Weatherstripping and caulk are your friends here. 
• Ant Bait: Place ant bait near their trails. They’ll carry the bait back to the nest, which helps eliminate the entire colony. 

19 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Small Ants in Your Home 

Let’s delve into the world of natural remedies—simple yet powerful ways to show those ants the exit door.  

Diatomaceous Earth 

This fine powder is made from fossilized algae and is harmless to humans and pets. However, it’s a mighty foe against ants. Sprinkle it along their trails and watch it work its magic. The powder will stick to their bodies and dehydrate them, sending them packing. 

Glass Cleaner and Liquid Detergent 

Who knew the duo of glass cleaner and liquid detergent could be ant repellents? Mix the two in equal parts and spray it on ant-infested areas. This concoction not only cleans but also disrupts the ants’ chemical trails, making them lose their way.

Ground Black or Red Pepper 

The fiery spice we love in our dishes can spell trouble for ants. Sprinkle ground black or red pepper near entry points and ant trails. The strong scent will deter them from venturing further into your sanctuary. 

Peppermint 

Humans adore it, but ants can’t stand it. Create a peppermint spray by mixing water and peppermint essential oil. Spray it around areas where ants roam, and they’ll flee like it’s nobody’s business. 

Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil isn’t just for its antiseptic properties; it’s an ant repellent too! Mix a few drops with water and use it to wipe down surfaces or spray it around ant-prone areas. Ants will think twice before crashing your party. 

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil 

The delightful aroma of lemon eucalyptus oil can be a game-changer in your ant battle. Its scent will send ants scurrying away. Mix it with water and use it as a spray to say goodbye to those tiny intruders. 

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus 

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is like the big brother of lemon eucalyptus oil. It’s an effective repellent against ants and can be found in many natural insect repellents. 

White Vinegar 

Our trusty companion, white vinegar, comes to the rescue once again. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and use it to wipe down surfaces and floors. It not only cleans but also erases those enticing ant scent trails. 

Boiling Water 

Sometimes, a straightforward solution is the most effective one. Boil some water and pour it directly over ant hills and nests. The scalding heat will put an end to their colony-building endeavors. 

Cornstarch 

Did you know that ants can’t digest cornstarch? It’s true! Sprinkle cornstarch near ant-infested areas, and when they take it back to their nest, it’ll be the end of the line for them.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil 

Another natural ant repellent is cinnamon leaf essential oil. Its strong aroma confuses and irritates ants, making them think twice about staying in your home. 

Neem Oil 

Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is a potent ant repellent. Mix it with water and use it to spray affected areas. The ants will soon get the message and leave your home in peace. 

Coffee Grounds 

Before you throw away your coffee grounds, know that they can serve another purpose. Spread them near ant trails and entry points, and the scent will act as a deterrent. 

Boric Acid 

While boric acid should be used with caution around pets and children, it’s an effective tool against ants. Create a boric acid and sugar mixture and place it in ant-frequented areas. The ants will carry it back to their nest, and it’ll work its magic.

Lemons 

Their strong citrus scent is a big no-no for ants. Squeeze some lemon juice near entry points or wipe down surfaces with it. The ants will think twice about crossing the lemony barrier. 

Check All Indoor Plants 

Indoor plants can unknowingly harbor ant nests. Check the pots, especially near the roots, for any signs of ant activity. Repot the plants if necessary and bid those ants farewell. 

Keep Your House Very Clean 

I can’t stress this enough—maintaining a clean home is your best defense against ant invasions. Wipe down surfaces, clean up spills, and make sure your home is crumb-free. 

Prevent Food Sources in Your House 

Ants are like relentless detectives sniffing out food. Store all food in airtight containers, and don’t leave crumbs lying around. If there’s no food, there’s no reason for ants to visit. 

Block All Ant Entry Points in Your Home 

Seal the deal by sealing the cracks! Block all possible entry points to keep ants from marching into your home uninvited. 

Prevent Tiny Ants in the House Using Alternative Methods 

While we’ve covered some natural remedies, there are alternative methods that can also come to your rescue. Let’s explore these tactics to ensure your home remains a no-go zone for those unwanted six-legged visitors. 

Using Bait Traps to Kill Ants in the House 

Bait traps are like a delectable treat for ants, but little do they know, it’s a one-way ticket to ant heaven. These traps contain a tempting bait laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Ants take the bait back to their colony, sharing it with their buddies, and before they know it, the party’s over for the entire colony.  

Use Ant Repellent 

If you want to keep ants at bay without causing harm, ant repellents are the way to go. These products emit scents that ants can’t stand, creating an invisible force field around your home. Place them near entry points or in ant-prone areas, and voilà—ants will have no choice but to steer clear. 

Use Ant Exterminators 

Sometimes, when the ant situation becomes too overwhelming, it’s best to call in the professionals. Ant exterminators are skilled in dealing with these tiny invaders and can come up with a tailored plan to address your ant infestation. They’ll use safe and effective methods to eliminate the ants and prevent future invasions. 

FAQs 

Now, let’s address some common questions you might have about these pesky intruders and how to deal with them effectively. 

What Type of Ants Are in My Home? 

Identifying the type of ants in your home can help you devise a targeted plan to deal with them. There are various ant species, but some common ones you might encounter are: 

• Black Ants (Odorous House Ants): These small, dark ants love sugary treats and often leave a musty odor when crushed. 
• Carpenter Ants: Larger and typically black, these ants like to chew through wood to create their nests, which can cause structural damage. 

• Pharaoh Ants: Tiny and light yellow, these ants prefer warm and humid areas, often nesting near food sources. 
• Argentine Ants: These social ants form massive colonies and are attracted to sweets. They are commonly found in warmer climates. 
• Fire Ants: Reddish-brown in color, fire ants build large mounds in open areas and deliver painful stings when threatened. 

Where Do Ants Enter the House? 

Ants can be clever little infiltrators, sneaking into your home through various entry points. Common places they use to gain access include: 

• Cracks and Crevices: Seal any cracks in your walls, windows, and doors to block their entry. 
• Gaps around Pipes: Check for openings around plumbing pipes and seal them to keep ants out. 
• Under Doors: Install door sweeps to prevent ants from slipping in under the door. 
• Through Vents: Install fine mesh screens on vents to keep ants from crawling in. 
• Electrical Outlets: Consider using childproof covers for electrical outlets, which can also help keep ants out. 

In conclusion, dealing with ants in your house can be a challenging situation, but with Pestweek’s caring and effective methods, you can overcome it. Trust Pestweek to help you eliminate ant infestations and maintain a clean and ant-free home. Say goodbye to ants in your house and enjoy a comfortable living space, thanks to Pestweek’s expert solutions.

Calina Mabel

Calina Mabel has over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism and communications. Currently, Calina Mabel is the Content Writer for categories such as Cockroach, Ants, Bed Bugs, Mosquito, Rodent, Termite, and Flies on Pestweek.com. She aims to build content for these categories with a focus on providing valuable and accessible information to readers, in order to create the world’s largest knowledge community about Pests.

All content written by Calina Mabel has been reviewed by Emily Carter.