Ant infestations can be a frustrating problem for homeowners. Even if you keep your home clean, ants may still find their way in and make themselves at home.

While you could call an exterminator to take care of the problem, there are plenty of DIY solutions that can be just as effective.

1. Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is a powerful cleaning tool and has the added bonus of deterring ants. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water and spritz it around your home where ants are likely to enter.

The scent will keep them away and disrupt their pheromone trails.

2. Lemon Juice

Similar to vinegar, lemon juice has properties that ants dislike. Mix lemon juice with water and spray the mixture around your home. You can also squeeze half a lemon and place the halves in problem areas to deter ants.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds have a strong scent that ants can’t stand. Spread them around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entryways, to keep ants from coming inside.

4. Borax and Sugar

Borax is a common ingredient in many ant baits and pesticides. Mix equal parts borax and sugar and place the mixture in areas where ants are present. The sugar will attract the ants and the borax will kill them.

5. Cucumber Peels

The scent of cucumbers can repel ants. Place cucumber peels in areas where you’ve seen ants and they’ll likely go elsewhere.

6. Mint

Mint has a strong scent that ants don’t like. Plant mint around your home’s perimeter or place small sachets of dried mint in areas where ants typically appear.

7. Chalk

Ants won’t cross over a line of chalk. Draw a line of chalk around your home’s perimeter or around problem areas to keep ants at bay.

8. Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and cinnamon can all be effective at repelling ants. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your home.

9. Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar

Similar to borax and sugar, mixing baking soda and powdered sugar can create an ant-killing bait. The sugar will attract ants and the baking soda will kill them.

10. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have a strong scent that ants dislike. Place a few in areas where ants are present to keep them away.

11. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made up of fossilized diatoms. It’s safe for humans and pets but deadly for insects, including ants. Sprinkle it around your home’s perimeter and in problem areas.

12. Petroleum Jelly

Coating areas around your home with petroleum jelly can keep ants from crawling over. This option is best for areas where you don’t need to walk, as it can be slippery.