How to Get Rid of Ants for Good (Tried & Tested Solutions!)
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There’s nothing worse than walking into your kitchen in the morning, coffee in hand, only to find a trail of tiny intruders marching across your countertops.
Ants!
Get Rid of Ants
They seem to appear overnight, turning your peaceful home into an all-you-can-eat buffet.
If you’ve ever faced this frustration, you’re not alone.
I’ve dealt with these pesky invaders year after year, but after much trial and error, I’ve finally found effective ways to get rid of ants for good!
In this post, I’m sharing my best DIY solutions, top store-bought ant killers, and long-term prevention tips so you can take back your home.
Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back?
Before we jump into solutions, let’s quickly talk about why ants invade in the first place.
Understanding their behavior makes it easier to prevent future infestations.
Food Sources – Even the smallest crumbs or spills can attract ants.
Moisture – Leaky pipes or standing water provide them with hydration.
Scent Trails – Ants leave invisible chemical trails so others can follow.
Entry Points – Tiny cracks, gaps, and open windows are all welcome signs to ants.
Now that we know what draws them in, let’s talk about how to send them packing!
Get Rid of Ants
Quick DIY Solutions for an Immediate Fix to Get Rid of Ants
If you need to stop ants fast, these homemade remedies can do the trick:
Vinegar Spray:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Wipe down countertops and baseboards.
- Vinegar disrupts their scent trails and repels them.
Cinnamon or Coffee Grounds:
- Sprinkle these near entry points.
- Ants hate the strong scent!
Lemon Juice Spray:
- Mix fresh lemon juice with water and spray along common ant pathways.
Dish Soap + Water Spray:
- A quick way to kill ants on contact is to mix a few drops of dish soap in water and spray directly on them.
Chalk or Baby Powder:
- Some people swear by drawing a chalk line where ants enter—something about the texture keeps them from crossing it.
While these are great short-term solutions, they won’t eliminate the entire colony.
For that, you’ll need stronger methods!
Get Rid of Ants
The Best Store-Bought Solutions to Get Rid of Ants (My Top Picks!)
If you want a more powerful and long-lasting fix, these products are highly effective.
I recommend them because they’ve worked wonders in my home!
These are a fantastic solution for targeting ants where they travel most.
Their spill-proof design makes them ideal for placing on countertops and behind appliances without worrying about a mess.
They are also the perfect size for discreet placement, allowing you to effectively eliminate ants without cluttering your space.
Simply set them up, and let them do the work of attracting and eliminating the colony at the source.
These are perfect for placing on the floor in corners or near doorways, where ants frequently enter the home.
The pre-filled bait stations allow ants to carry the liquid bait back to their colony, effectively eliminating them at the source.
The low-profile design makes them easy to tuck away while still being highly effective in high-traffic areas.
If you have persistent ant issues in your kitchen, placing these near baseboards, under cabinets, or close to entry points can help target the problem directly.
Maggie’s Farm Ant & Roach Killer
This eco-friendly, plant-based spray is a great option for targeting ants and other pests while keeping your home safe.
Its residual barrier effect makes it perfect for spraying along windowsills and under door frames, preventing ants from sneaking inside.
Unlike many chemical sprays, it’s non-toxic and has a pleasant scent, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets.
Simply spray entry points and let it work its magic.
Stem Kills Ants, Roaches and Spiders
If you’re looking for another plant-based pest control solution, STEM is an excellent option.
Similar to Maggie’s Farm, this spray is botanical-based and free from harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for families.
It works quickly to kill ants, roaches, and even spiders on contact while also leaving a protective barrier to keep pests out.
Ideal for use on window sills, under door frames, and along baseboards, STEM provides an effective and safe way to manage household pests without exposing your home to synthetic pesticides.
Get Rid of Ants
How to Prevent Ants from Coming Back
Once you’ve eliminated the ants, you’ll want to keep them from returning.
Here’s how:
Seal Entry Points – Check for cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards, and seal them with caulk.
Keep Surfaces Clean – Wipe down countertops and sweep floors daily to eliminate food sources.
Store Food Properly – Use airtight containers for pantry items like sugar, flour, and cereal.
Take Out the Trash Daily – Don’t let food scraps sit overnight.
Use Essential Oils – Ants hate peppermint, tea tree, and lemon oil. Mix a few drops with water and spray entry points.
By following these prevention tips, you can make your home a no-go zone for ants!
Bonus section to help keep the pests away!
Get Rid of Ants
Best Cleaning Products to Keep Pests Away
Beyond eliminating ants, keeping your home clean with the right products can deter them from returning.
Here are some of my favorite cleaning solutions that not only disinfect but also help repel pests:
Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Cleaning Vinegar, Multisurface Spray Cleaner
This all-natural cleaner combines the power of vinegar with essential oils like peppermint and lemon to clean surfaces while repelling ants and roaches. Perfect for daily kitchen use
MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate
The strong citrus scent naturally deters ants while leaving your home smelling fresh. Works great on countertops, floors, and baseboards.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes
These wipes are excellent for quick clean-ups, especially in areas where ants tend to gather.
Their thyme oil-based formula not only kills germs but also helps keep pests away.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Soap – Peppermint is a known natural ant deterrent.
Mix a small amount of this soap with water and wipe down surfaces to clean and repel pests at the same time.
Using these products regularly will help maintain a clean, pest-free home while avoiding harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Ants may be small, but they can be a big nuisance.
Luckily, with the right strategies, you can eliminate them quickly and keep them from coming back.
Whether you prefer DIY fixes or trusted store-bought solutions, taking action now will save you from future infestations.
Have you dealt with ants in your home?
What’s your go-to method for getting rid of them?
Let me know in the comments!
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