Ants may be tiny, but when they invade your home, they can cause a big nuisance. Whether they’re marching across your kitchen counter or showing up near your pet’s food bowl, ants always seem to find a way in. The good news? You can stop them—with the right mix of prevention, cleanliness, and a few smart tricks.
Here’s how to get rid of ants around your house—and keep them away.
1. Find the Source
Before you start spraying or setting traps, follow the trail. Ants are usually headed to a food or water source. Once you find their entry point, seal it if possible. Look for cracks in baseboards, windows, doors, and plumbing areas where they might be sneaking in.
2. Clean Up the Attraction
Ants don’t invade for fun—they’re searching for food. Keep your kitchen counters, floors, and pantry clean and crumb-free. Wipe up sticky spots, keep food sealed in containers, and don’t leave pet food out all day. Even a little moisture, like water around the sink, can attract them.
3. Use Natural Repellents
There are several natural remedies you can try before reaching for chemicals. Ants hate strong scents like:
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it along ant trails and entry points.
- Cinnamon or cloves: Sprinkle around baseboards or entry points to repel ants.
- Lemon juice: Disrupts their scent trails and smells great.
4. Set Bait Traps
If the ants persist, bait traps can be effective. They bring poison back to the colony, eliminating the source. Just be cautious if you have pets or small children—keep traps out of reach.
5. Seal Up Entry Points
Once the ants are gone, prevent a future invasion by sealing gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping where needed.
6. Know When to Call a Pro
If the problem continues or the infestation is large, it might be time to call a pest control professional. They can safely identify the ant species and apply targeted treatments.
The best way to stop ants is to make your home less inviting in the first place. A clean kitchen, sealed entry points, and the occasional natural repellent can go a long way. Don’t let these tiny intruders take over—show them the door for good.
Housing Concierge 