10 Tips and Hacks to Keep Your Home Ant-Free

January 26, 2025 | Posted In: Ants

Ants may be tiny, but their ability to infiltrate homes in search of food can cause significant frustration. Once they find a food source, they leave chemical trails that attract even more ants, turning a single pest into a major infestation. But don’t worry—with the right preventative measures and a few practical hacks, you can keep your home ant-free.

This blog covers everything you need to know about preventing ant infestations. From tips to clean your home more effectively to natural remedies and expert-approved pest control solutions, we’ve got you covered.

Why Do Ants Invade Your Home?

Ants typically enter homes for three reasons:

Food – Crumbs, uncovered snacks, or even pet food can be enticing for ants looking to feed their colony.
Water – Especially during dry weather, ants search for water near sinks, bathrooms, and humid spaces.
Shelter – Certain ant species seek warmth and safety indoors during extreme weather conditions.

Understanding their motivations is the first step to keeping ants out for good.

Tip 1: Identify Entry Points

Start by locating how ants are entering your home. Common entry points include cracks in walls, windows, door gaps, and plumbing. Carefully inspect areas where you’ve spotted ant trails. Seal these entry points using caulk, weather stripping, or foam sealant to prevent ants from sneaking indoors.

Pro Tip:

Use double-sided tape near problem areas to catch ants and monitor whether they persist even after sealing gaps.

Tip 2: Maintain a Clean Kitchen

Ants are highly attracted to leftovers and crumbs. Keeping your kitchen clean and food properly stored is one of the best ways to deter them.

Wipe countertops after every meal with a vinegar-based cleaner.
Store dry foods like bread, sugar, and cereals in airtight containers.
Sweep or vacuum crumbs and food debris from the floor regularly.

Quick Hack:

Mix one part water with one part white vinegar and spray the mixture on kitchen surfaces. The vinegar erases scent trails, making it harder for ants to find food.

Tip 3: Remove Standing Water

Ants also need water to survive. Check for any plumbing leaks under bathroom sinks or in kitchens. Additionally, avoid leaving water in pet bowls overnight, and keep bathtubs and sinks dry when not in use.

Quick Fix:

Place silica gel packs or dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas prone to moisture buildup. This will reduce the damp conditions ants thrive in.

Tip 4: Use Natural Repellents

If you prefer not to use harsh chemicals, natural repellents can be your best friend. Ants are sensitive to certain scents and substances, which you can use to your advantage.

Sprinkle cinnamon or cayenne pepper by entry points to deter them.
Use essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus around windows and doors.
Scatter coffee grounds in your garden or near noticeable trails to throw them off course.

DIY Recipe:

Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with two cups of water. Spray this directly onto ant trails or possible entry points.

Tip 5: Disrupt the Ant Colony

If you notice a growing number of ants indoors, you’ve likely got a colony nearby. Ant baits are an effective way to deal with this issue. Place bait near ant activity to attract worker ants, which will carry it back to the colony, ultimately eliminating it.

Warning:

Always read the instructions on ant bait packaging for safe use, especially if you have pets or children.

Tip 6: Regularly Dispose of Trash

Trash bins are gold mines for ants. To avoid this:

Use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Empty trash regularly, especially if it contains food waste.
Place diatomaceous earth (a natural ant deterrent) around the base of your outdoor trash cans.

Fun Fact:

Did you know diatomaceous earth works by damaging the ant’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration? An eco-friendly pest control solution!

Tip 7: Create an Outdoor Defense

Prevention starts outside your home.

Trim bushes and tree branches that touch or overhang the house, as these act as bridges for ants.
Remove debris piles, leftover wood, and any rotting vegetation near your home.
Use ant-control granules or chalk barriers to create a perimeter defense around the foundation of your home.

Garden Hack:

Planting ant-repelling herbs like mint, basil, or lavender near entrances can naturally deter them from coming near.

Tip 8: Check for Trail Disruptions

Ants communicate and share food sources by leaving chemical trails. Disrupt these trails to avoid attracting more of their colony.

Use soapy water to eliminate trails near baseboards and countertops.
Sprinkle baking soda in weakly trafficked areas for a non-toxic solution to destroy trails.

Bonus Hack:

Use double-sided tape as a temporary barrier in high-traffic ant areas, preventing them from gaining further access.

Tip 9: Stay Vigilant During Seasonal Changes

Ant infestations often spike in spring and summer as colonies grow and forage. Be extra cautious during these months by proactively sealing cracks, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring outdoor areas are well-managed.

Seasonal Reminder:

Take note of ant activity near your garden during the spring planting season. Moving planters or raised beds away from your home reduces potential nesting spots.

Tip 10: Consider Professional Pest Control

When natural and DIY efforts fall short, it may be time to consult pest control professionals. They can provide targeted treatments and insights into eliminating stubborn ant colonies in or near your home.