These expert-recommended DIY solutions banish ants using common household ingredients.
Vinegar
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According to Vincent Luca, a licensed pest control technician and the owner of On Demand Pest Control, you can create a homemade ant-deterring solution that stars vinegar—one of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients there is. As for how it effectively mitigates your pest problem? “Its strong odor disrupts the ants’ pheromone trails, which are their means of communication and navigation,” Luca says. “By effectively disrupting these trails, the vinegar solution makes it challenging for ants to find their way around and communicate with their fellow colony members.” That means once you’ve gotten rid of the first wave of ants, more will have a harder time finding their way into and around your space.
Materials
- 2 cups vinegar (both apple cider and white vinegar work)
- 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Water
- Spray bottle
Instructions
“Start by combining the vinegar, dish liquid, and baking soda powder in a large bowl, gently stirring the ingredients together,” Luca says. Pour the solution into an industrial spray bottle once you’re done mixing, adding enough water to the mixture to fill the bottle.
I’ve found vinegar to be a real game-changer in my own home—its sharp scent not only throws ants off their path but also doubles as a cleaning agent for countertops and floors. A little tip from my experience: if the smell of vinegar feels too strong, try diluting it a bit more with water or even add a drop of essential oil like lavender for a more pleasant aroma. Scientifically, the acetic acid in vinegar is what does the trick, breaking down those chemical signals ants rely on. Experts often note that this method works best when you spray consistently—think daily for a week—especially around entry points like windowsills and door frames. Plus, vinegar’s a bargain! A gallon costs just a few bucks and goes a long way, making this a super affordable fix for any ant invasion.
Dish Soap and Water
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Is there anything dish soap can’t do? You can turn to this kitchen workhorse as you battle the ants in your house, says Album Jeremy McReynolds, a certified commercial pesticide applicator and New York compliance manager for TruGreen’s technical team.
Materials
- 2 ounces dish soap
- 32 ounces water
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Mix 2 ounces of dish soap and 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle; use it to spray and remove the pheromone trail left behind by the ants. It also kills them on contact: “Dish soap sprayed directly on ants will kill ants by penetrating their exoskeleton, which suffocates them,” he says.
While these homemade ant killers will remove unwanted pests, keeping them at bay long-term involves maintaining a clean kitchen. All kinds of crumbs and spills (from sweeteners to fats) attract ants, so clean up messes as soon as you see them.
Dish soap has been my go-to for years—not just for dishes, but for pests too! The way it breaks through the ants’ tough exterior is pretty fascinating; it’s all about the soap’s ability to disrupt their waxy coating, leading to dehydration. I’ve noticed it works best when you hit the ants directly, so keep your spray bottle handy near problem areas. A pro tip: pair this with a quick wipe-down of surfaces using the same mix—it cuts through grease and keeps ants from coming back. Studies show ants are drawn to food residues, so staying on top of spills is key. Best part? You’re likely spending less than a dollar per batch, since dish soap is already a kitchen staple.
Baking Soda and Boric Acid
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This easy-to-use homemade ant killer is a trap, not a spray. To make it, gather the following supplies, says Luca.
Materials
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons boric acid
- Pinch of baking soda
- Small plastic container with a lid
Instructions
“To begin, carefully stir these ingredients together in the container, ensuring that they are thoroughly mixed,” Luca says. Add a sprinkle of baking soda to the trap to make it more effective—when ants eat baking soda, it can kill them as well. Once the ingredients have been combined, set up your trap. “Take a pair of scissors or a knife and carefully poke several small holes in the lid of the plastic container,” he says; these holes act as an entry point for the ants. Place the trap wherever you see ant activity.
I’ve tried this trap in my garage and was amazed at how well it drew ants in. The sugar lures them, but the boric acid and baking soda combo is what gets the job done—boric acid messes with their digestion, and baking soda reacts in their stomachs to create gas they can’t release. Pest control pros often say this method can wipe out a small colony if placed strategically, like near trails or nests. A quick note: boric acid is super cheap—often under $5 for a big container—but use it sparingly and keep it away from pets. My trick? Check the trap every few days and refill if needed to keep those ants at bay!
Ground Pepper
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If your ant problem is in your kitchen, you already likely have a powerful non-chemical solution at your fingertips: ground pepper.
Materials
- Ground pepper
Instructions
Sprinkle some ground pepper in the spots that you know ants like to congregate. “Ground pepper sprinkled under kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and behind appliances can deter ants. They find the smell irritating,” McReynolds says.
I love how simple this one is—ground pepper’s already in my spice rack, and it’s a total lifesaver! The strong scent comes from compounds like piperine, which ants absolutely hate, driving them away fast. I’ve sprinkled it behind my fridge and under the sink, and noticed fewer ants within a day or two. Experts suggest reapplying every week or so, especially after cleaning, to keep the barrier strong. It’s cheap, natural, and doubles as a way to freshen up musty corners—honestly, what’s not to like about this trick?
Baking Soda and Sugar
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This DIY ant trap lures ants with one of their favorite food sources: sugar.
Materials
- Baking soda
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Honey, jam, or high-sugar spread
- Cup
Instructions
To make this ant killer, Luca says you’ll need to mix equal parts confectioners’ sugar and baking soda in a cup. “Using confectioners’ sugar is essential in this case. Regular sugar can easily be separated by ants from the baking soda,” he says. Once you’ve mixed those two together, add another touch of sweetness to really draw the ants in. A dollop of honey, a spoonful of jam, or another high-sugar spread all work.
This mix has worked wonders in my pantry—ants can’t resist the sweet lure of confectioners’ sugar and honey! The baking soda disrupts their system from the inside, and I’ve seen a noticeable drop in ant traffic after a few days. Pest experts often point out that confectioners’ sugar blends better because of its fine texture, tricking ants into carrying it back to the nest. My advice? Place the cup near problem spots, but check it regularly to see if it’s working. A small batch like this costs pennies, and it’s satisfying to tackle the issue with stuff I already have at home!
Lemon Juice
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Lemon juice is another ant-fighting ingredient that you can use to create a spray; simply combine 1 part lemon juice and 3 parts water. “This homemade repellent can also be used as an all-purpose spray around your home,” Luca says.
Materials
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Lemon peels
Instructions
Mix together your 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture at entry points and where ants have congregated. And don’t toss away the peels when you’re done. The rinds contain d-limonene, which kills ants on contact; place the peels near known entry points to exterminate the pests before they can track further into your home. “The strong scent of lemon will help to repel ants and keep them from making their way inside,” Luca says. “Not only is this method effective, but it is also safe to use around children and pets, making it an ideal solution for those looking for a natural alternative to traditional ant control methods.”
I’ve sprayed this lemon mix around my doors and windows, and the fresh scent is a bonus for my home! The d-limonene in the peels is a natural insecticide—science backs this up, as it breaks down the ants’ protective layers on contact. I’ve found placing peels in corners or along baseboards works great, and it’s safe for my dog, which is a huge relief. Pros suggest refreshing the peels every few days to keep the scent strong. Lemons are cheap and easy to find—grab a few at the store, and you’re set for a natural, effective ant defense!
A Word of Caution
According to McReynolds, it’s important to remember that natural doesn’t necessarily mean non-toxic or safe. “Be careful with some of the DIY recipes out there. Borax and essential oils can be harmful to pets if ingested,” he says. Also, you’ll want to be cautious of where you’re using some of these DIY solutions since some ingredients can harm certain surfaces. You wouldn’t want to use lemon or vinegar on granite countertops, for example. Test any DIY sprays or solutions on a small or inconspicuous area first, and always keep these homemade ant killers out of the reach of children and pets.
I’ve learned the hard way to double-check where I spray—my granite counter got a faint mark once from vinegar before I realized! It’s smart to take McReynolds’ advice to heart and test a tiny spot first. Experts also warn that boric acid, while effective, can be risky if pets or kids get curious, so I store my mixes high up or in sealed containers. Safety’s key, and a little caution goes a long way—consider diluting solutions slightly if you’re worried about surfaces or little ones in the house.
How to Prevent Ants
Of course, the best method is to prevent ants from invading your home in the first place. While not always possible, there are a few things you can do to keep these critters out of your home before they become problematic.
Keep a regular cleaning schedule: Ants are attracted to sources of food, so your kitchen is a natural spot for ants to congregate. Head them off by regularly cleaning your home, especially your kitchen. “Keeping your surroundings clean, especially your kitchen—will naturally aid in the decrease of ant populations,” says Ismael Girard, CEO of Pest Agent.
Seal up any cracks or gaps: Cracks in your home’s foundation or gaps in the exterior siding can leave just enough space for ants to get in. Seal these up if you can to avoid giving ants an open-door policy in your home.
Replace damaged window screens: Opening your windows for fresh air is lovely, but letting ants in is not. Inspect your window screens for any signs of wear and tear or larger damage regularly, and replace them if needed.
I can’t stress enough how much a clean kitchen has saved me from ant headaches—wiping down counters daily keeps them away! Research shows food scraps draw ants faster than anything, so I make it a habit to sweep and mop weekly. Sealing cracks with caulk has been a game-changer too; I found a tiny gap near my back door once and fixed it quick. Check your screens every season—my old ones had tears, and replacing them cut down on all kinds of pests. A little effort up front, and you’ll dodge a lot of trouble later!
