Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and found a trail of tiny ants living their best lives across your counter. Yep, same here. One minute you’re just minding your business, maybe reaching for a biscuit and the next you’re in the middle of an ant parade. They’re persistent, they’re sneaky and they multiply faster than your laundry pile.
Don’t worry though. If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants in the house, I’ve got you. Let’s talk about some practical, non-toxic, budget-friendly ways to send those little intruders packing…and keep them out.
READ: 25 Basic but Vital Hacks for keeping a Clean Home (all the time!)
Why are there ants in my house?
First, let’s figure out what’s attracting them. Ants are foragers. They’re the unpaid interns of the insect world, always hunting for food and moisture. Your kitchen crumbs, sweet spills and leaky pipes are basically an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Knowing what draws them in is the first step in how to get rid of ants permanently. So while you’re putting out traps or trying DIY ant repellent, don’t forget to:
- Wipe down surfaces (especially with vinegar)
- Store food in sealed containers
- Take out the trash regularly
- Fix dripping faucets and pipes
Boring? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.
Disclaimer: At no extra cost to you, I may gain a tiny commission for purchases made through links on this page.
Home remedies to get rid of ants (that actually work)
If you’re not ready to go full chemical warfare in your kitchen, there are plenty of home remedies to get rid of ants naturally.
1. White vinegar spray
Ants hate the smell. You love a clean surface. Win-win. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spritz along countertops, baseboards and entry points.
2. Lemon juice
Similar to vinegar, lemon juice disrupts the ants’ scent trails. Squeeze some juice around windows, doors and cracks.
3. Cinnamon or cloves
Sprinkle cinnamon or leave whole cloves at entry points. Best thing is, your house will smell festive. Ants, however, will pack up and leave.
4. Coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds can be scattered near ant hills or common paths. Ants dislike the texture and smell. (Recycling and pest control? Look at you!)
5. Chalk lines
It sounds strange but ants won’t cross chalk. Draw a barrier near doors and windows.
Ant repellent DIY indoor sprays
Want to mix up your own ant repellent DIY indoor spray? Try this easy blend.
DIY Essential oil ant spray
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops peppermint oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Shake in a spray bottle and apply anywhere you’ve seen ant activity. It smells great (to you, not them) and it’s safe for kids and pets.
How to get rid of ants in the walls naturally
This is the next-level stuff. If ants have moved into your walls (rude), you’ll need to be a little more strategic.
1. Diatomaceous earth
This powdery substance isn’t harmful to humans or pets but is deadly to ants. Sprinkle it along cracks, baseboards and wall crevices.
2. Borax and sugar trap
Mix 1 part borax with 3 parts powdered sugar. Put it in shallow containers or lids near ant trails and wall openings. The sugar lures them in and the borax does the rest.
Keep out of reach of little ones and pets!
3. Seal it up
Use caulk or sealant to close off entry points where ants may be sneaking in. It’s not glamorous but it’s effective.
Best ant baits (because sometimes you need backup)
If your DIY efforts aren’t cutting it, it might be time to bring in the big guns. These are some of the best ant baits out there that actually work.
- Terro liquid ant baits. Ants take the bait back to their colony, wiping it out at the source.
- Combat Max Ant Killing Gel. Easy to apply in cracks and crevices. Super effective.
- Raid Ant Baits. Great for kitchens and small spaces.
All available on Amazon, of course.
How to get rid of ants overnight
Now let’s say you have guests coming in the morning and you just discovered a mini ant apocalypse. Here’s what to do if you want to get rid of ants overnight.
- Clean like a detective. Wipe every surface, take out all the trash, vacuum and mop.
- Set multiple bait traps. Ideally Terro or your homemade borax ones.
- Spray entry points with vinegar or essential oil spray.
- Close up all food and don’t leave a single crumb out.
While you might not wipe them out completely in one night, you’ll definitely send a strong message.
Family-friendly bonus tips
If you’ve got kids (who leave trails of juice boxes and sandwich crusts wherever they go), focus on non-toxic methods like vinegar, lemon, cinnamon and essential oils. You want to keep them safe while also handling your ant situation like the capable parent you are.
And so…
Ants are the uninvited guests we never asked for and let’s be real, they don’t even bring wine. Thankfully though, now you’ve got a full arsenal of ideas and DIY remedies to kick them out.
From ant repellent DIY indoor sprays to home remedies to get rid of ants, there’s a method for every household. Now you know how to get rid of ants in the walls naturally and yes, even how to get rid of ants overnight.
Got a method that worked wonders in your home? Share in the comments!
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to Pin it for later because ant season never really ends, does it?Pin this post so you never have to Google “how to get rid of ants in the house” again at midnight in your pyjamas with a fly swatter. You’re welcome.
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