While ants may be harmless, they quickly become a nuisance when they march into your home, especially the kitchen. Their tiny size lets them sneak through the smallest cracks, invading everything from your pantry to your baked goods and sugar jars.

Getting rid of ants can be frustrating, but prevention is key. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive pest control services to keep them at bay. These natural, cost-effective solutions will help you kick ants out and keep your house design pest-free without the fuss!

I. Household ways to get rid of ants

1. Start outside to protect inside

Ants typically make their way inside from nests in your garden, under your home, or even within your walls or floors. Tackle the problem at its source by using natural remedies in your garden. A simple eucalyptus oil solution or a concentrated garlic spray works wonders to repel ants, without harming your plants or you!

To try it, mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and target areas where you’ve spotted ants or their trails. Don’t forget to spray around entryways and windowsills to create a natural barrier and keep these little invaders out for good.

2. Stop ants in their tracks with chalk

Believe it or not, a simple line of chalk can keep ants at bay – literally! Draw a chalk line along the outside of any doors leading into your home. Chalk contains calcium carbonate, which ants can’t stand, making it an easy, chemical-free way to block their path and keep them from marching in.

3. Seal off cracks – ants’ favorite entryway

Tiny cracks in doorways, windows, walls, and floors are perfect entry points for ants on the hunt for food. The first step? Ensure your windows and doors are properly shut. If you spot cracks, consult an expert about the best caulk or sealant to block those entryways and keep the ants out for good.

4. Repel ants with fresh herbs

While we love the aroma of fresh herbs like sage, mint, and bay leaves, ants can’t stand them! Planting these fragrant herbs in your garden is a natural way to deter ants, and keeping fresh cuttings in your kitchen or pantry will help keep these pests—and other bugs—at bay (pun intended!).

5. Keep it clean to keep ants away

Even the cleanest kitchens can hide a stray crumb or sticky spill, which is exactly what ants are after. If you’re dealing with an ant invasion, it’s time to step up your cleaning game. Wipe down surfaces immediately after use and make sure to sweep or vacuum regularly to eliminate anything that might attract these tiny pests.

6. Go natural with cleaning solutions

For an ant-free, sparkling home, turn to natural cleaning solutions like the classic combo of bicarb soda and vinegar. Want an added boost? Mix in essential oils like peppermint, lemon, or eucalyptus for a fresh scent that ants can’t stand, giving you a chemical-free way to keep them out.

II. How to tackle an ant infestation in your home

If you’ve found yourself battling an ant infestation, don’t panic! While it can be frustrating, there are several effective ways to eliminate ants and prevent them from returning.

1. Track down the source

The first step is to locate the ant colony. Follow the trail of ants to discover where they’re coming from. If you can’t find a trail, set out some bait like peanut butter, honey, or jam to lure them in. Once they start transporting the food, follow them back to their nest. Another clue is a pile of dead ants, which often means the nest is nearby—check for any cracks or holes where they might be hiding.

2. Boiling water for quick results

Once you’ve found the nest, pouring boiling water into it can be a simple and natural solution to stop the infestation in its tracks. While this won’t work for nests inside walls or other hidden areas, it’s effective for outdoor nests.

3. Use diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, silica-rich powder that works wonders as a pesticide. Sprinkle it around the nest and in any cracks or entry points in your home—like baseboards, windowsills, or vents. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid skin or respiratory irritation when using this natural ant killer.

4. Try ant baits for larger infestations

For larger infestations, ant baits can do the trick. These baits attract ants with a mix of sugar or honey and kill them with borax, a common ingredient in cleaning products. While borax is effective, it’s important to keep kids and pets away, as it’s toxic when ingested. If handled with care, store-bought ant baits can be a safe and effective way to tackle the problem at its source.

5. Call in the pros

If the infestation is too large or persistent, it may be time to consult professional pest control. Experts can assess the situation and recommend the most effective treatment to eliminate the ants for good.

(Compiled from Homestolove magazine)