Just One Simple Trick to Keep Ants Out of Your House for Good

With a few easy household methods, you can drive an entire colony of ants out of your home without spending much effort or money. These natural techniques are safe, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective.

1. Use Cornstarch to Lure Ants Away

Everyone knows ants love cornstarch because it is a rich source of carbohydrates. However, what many people don’t realize is that ants cannot properly digest cornstarch. When they consume it, the powder causes digestive blockages that eventually kill them.

Because of this, sprinkling cornstarch in areas where ants appear is an easy and low-cost way to reduce their numbers. Simply spread a thin layer around ant trails, corners, or places where they gather. The ants will quickly take the bait. This method helps you control the problem without chemical sprays or expensive pest-control services.

For even better results, you can lightly mist the cornstarch with water to form a paste. The sticky texture traps ants more easily, making cleanup faster and more efficient.

2. Take Advantage of Lemon and Vinegar

Ingredients like white vinegar, lemon, orange, or other citrus fruits contain natural acids that disrupt the ants’ sense of smell. Since ants rely heavily on their scent trails to navigate, losing their ability to smell causes them to become disoriented and abandon the area.

To use this method:

• Mix vinegar or lemon juice with water (1:1 ratio).

• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

• Spray directly on ant trails, cracks, door frames, or any place ants frequently appear.

Not only does this repel ants, but it also removes their scent markings, preventing other ants from following the same path. As an added benefit, your home will smell fresh and clean afterward.

For stubborn areas or suspected nests, you can pour 0.5–1 liter of white vinegar directly into the spot. Ants will leave almost immediately.

3. Clean With Peppermint Oil

Ants—and even mice—strongly dislike the smell of peppermint. This makes peppermint oil one of the most effective natural repellents you can use at home.

Here’s how to apply it:

• Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil into your floor-cleaning solution.

• Mop the floors regularly to maintain a refreshing scent while keeping ants away.

Another method is to create a peppermint spray:

• Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and 10–15 drops of peppermint oil.

• Shake well and spray directly onto ant clusters or entry points such as windowsills, corners, and cabinet edges.

This mixture works quickly, and after cleaning the area, ants are unlikely to return.

4. Control Ants With Baking Soda

Baking soda is known for its expanding reaction, and when ants ingest it, that same reaction occurs inside their digestive system. The results are fatal for the ants, making baking soda a simple and effective household remedy.

To use this method:

• Mix equal amounts of baking soda and powdered sugar.
  (The sugar attracts the ants; the baking soda does the work.)

• Sprinkle the mixture along ant trails, near nests, or in dark corners.

You can also mix baking soda with dry yeast in equal amounts. Ants are easily lured by the scent, and once they eat the mixture, it quickly reduces their population.

This method is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and safe for homes with children or pets when used properly.

Final Thoughts

Ants can be persistent, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep them under control. With simple ingredients like cornstarch, vinegar, citrus, peppermint oil, and baking soda, you can naturally repel or eliminate ants while keeping your home clean and fragrant. These methods are convenient, budget-friendly, and suitable for everyday use.