How do I get rid of ants permanently in my house?

White vinegar

White vinegar, available at all grocery stores, is a cheap and effective way to eliminate and repel ants. It is also a natural cleaning agent. Try using a 1-to-1 vinegar/water mixture to clean hard surfaces, including floors and countertops, wherever ants are likely to travel.

What garden plants do ants hate?

7 houseplants to help keep insects out of your home
  • Basil. If you want to keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away then try keeping basil in your home. …
  • Lavender. Lavender is a good natural choice for keeping bugs at bay. …
  • Rosemary. …
  • Lemon balm. …
  • Sage. …
  • Common marigold. …
  • Carnivorous plants.

What smell keeps ants away?

Sprinkle cinnamon, mint, chili pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic in the area where you’ve seen the ants. Then, treat your home’s foundation in the same manner. Placing bay leaves in cabinets, drawers, and containers can also help to deter ants.

Do marigolds keep ants away?

unless marigolds actually have some reason to be there. Evidence that marigolds can repel ants or other insects is lacking. However, chemicals released from the roots of some marigold species are toxic to certain nematodes (roundworms); some nematodes are pests and can destroy plant root systems.

Can coffee grounds keep ants away?

Repel ants

Ants are extremely susceptible to caffeine. This safe material confuses the worker ants because they lose their scent trails. Leave coffee grounds where the ants are and they will carry it home and eat it.

Do houseplants attract ants?

Houseplants generally don’t attract a lot of ants. Some flowering plants can get infested with aphids, and that can be an attractant to ants though.

What flowers get rid of ants?

Plant ant repelling plants in the area – Plants like henbit, geranium, garlic, aster, calendula, chrysanthemum, and mint are known to deter ants and other garden pests. Planting these plants around the affected plant will help to keep ants away.

Does lavender repel ants?

Lavender. Even though it is loved by humans and very useful to them, ants detest lavender because of its oils and very pungent scent. … Lavender is a versatile plant because it works not only as an aromatic ingredient in any potpourri mix, but also works well as an indoor fly repellent.

Do ants like mint?

Peppermint is a natural insect repellant. You can plant mint around your home or use the essential oil of peppermint as a natural remedy for control of ants. Ants hate the smell, and your home will smell minty fresh! Plant mint around entryways and the perimeter of your home.

What kills ants without plants?

Citrus oil, including orange and lemon oil, is toxic to ants and won’t harm your garden plants. Many natural insecticides contain orange oil, but you can make your own using 3/4 cup of orange essential oil, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 gallon of water, recommends the Urban Harvest website.

Do ants like plants?

Insects including ants are naturally drawn to flowers due to their sweet fragrances. Additionally, flowers and plants are usually damp and provide a coveted source of moisture for curious ants. Other pests that are attracted to indoor plants, such as aphids, can also leave behind residues that are attractive to ants.

Will a peppermint plant keep ants away?

Some herbs that will keep ants away are catnip, pennyroyal, peppermint, sage, and spearmint. Scattering the leaves of these plants in areas of your house where you’ve seen ants may keep them away. Tansy will work on sugar ants — the ones you see in your kitchen.

What is the best ant repellent?

  • Our pick. Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits. The best way to get rid of indoor ants. …
  • Runner-up. Terro T334 Multi-Surface Liquid Ant Baits. Same poison, different delivery. …
  • Also great. Syngenta Advion Fire Ant Bait. The best way to get rid of fire ants.

Do ants hate vinegar?

Ants hate Vinegar. The smell of Vinegar will cause them to stay away from it or permanently leave the house. Ants crawl in a straight line, marching towards the food sources. The Vinegar solution will interfere with these pheromones, and the ants will get lost.

Does lavender attract ants?

Cinnamon, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and garlic are just some of the scents known to disgust ants, and all can be used to your advantage.

Is there a difference between peppermint and mint?

Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, whereas peppermint extract is just that. Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors.

What will ants not cross?

Set any of the following items at the entry area in a small line, which ants will not cross: cayenne pepper, citrus oil (can be soaked into a piece of string), lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds. Mix a half teaspoon each of honey, borox, and aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet, etc.), in small bottles.

Do moth balls keep ants away?

While mothballs will be highly effective in some situations, you might not want them in your home. … It is also important to note that mothballs aren’t effective at repelling most pests. A few mothballs might get rid of moths and their larvae, but they aren’t going to repel bed bugs, rats, mice, spiders, or ants.