Ants are a common household nuisance and can be quite challenging to eliminate. While there are many chemical-based ant killers available in the market, they often contain harmful ingredients that can be harmful to humans and pets.

Thankfully, there are several natural and eco-friendly methods that can help you get rid of ants effectively. In this article, we will explore ten of these methods to help you eliminate ants naturally.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

One of the most crucial steps in preventing and eliminating ants is to maintain cleanliness in your home. Ants are attracted to food particles, crumbs, and spills, so keeping your kitchen and dining area clean is essential.

Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and ensure that all food is stored in sealed containers.

2. Seal Entry Points

Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks and openings. Inspect your windows, doors, and foundation for potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.

Additionally, check for gaps around pipes, utility lines, and electrical outlets that might serve as access points for ants.

3. Use Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is a versatile household item that can also repel ants. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar. Spray this solution along windowsills, doorways, and other areas where ants typically enter.

Vinegar disrupts their scent trails, making them less likely to invade your home.

4. Cinnamon as a Natural Ant Repellent

Cinnamon is another potent ant repellent due to its strong smell that ants detest. Sprinkle cinnamon powder in areas where you frequently spot ants, such as near their entry points or along baseboards.

This natural deterrent can help keep ants away from your home.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and safe substance that can be effective in getting rid of ants. It is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.

These microscopic remnants have sharp edges that can cut through the exoskeleton of ants, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around ant trails and entry points to deter and eliminate ants.

6. Essential Oils

Many essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils, are known for their insect-repellent properties. Mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray the solution in areas where ants are commonly found.

Not only will this help repel ants, but it will also leave your home smelling fresh.

7. Natural Ant Baits

Instead of using chemical-based ant baits, opt for natural alternatives that are safe for both humans and pets. A popular homemade ant bait can be made by mixing equal parts of honey and borax.

Place small amounts of this mixture in shallow containers near ant trails. The ants will be attracted to the sweet scent of honey and carry the borax back to their colony, eventually eliminating the entire ant population.

8. Citrus Peels

Ants dislike the strong scent of citrus fruits. Save your orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels and place them near ant entry points or sprinkle small pieces near ant trails. The scent will deter the ants and keep them from entering your home.

9. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds can be an effective deterrent against ants. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home or areas where ants are frequently seen.

The strong scent of coffee will help repel them and prevent them from entering your living space.

10. Regularly Empty Trash

Leaving trash sitting for too long can attract ants and other pests to your home. Ensure that you regularly empty your trash cans and keep them clean.

Use trash bags with tight seals and consider rinsing food containers before disposing of them to minimize odors that may attract ants.