Natural and Cheap Ant Repellents
If you have a garden or rose bush, you surely know that ants can be the most destructive insect there is. However, you don’t need to use chemical products to keep them away from your yard. You can use natural and cheap ant repellents which are very effective and simple.
Homemade ant repellents
If you’re experiencing an ant attack, whether it’s in your garden or kitchen, pay attention to the following natural ant repellents.
Apple cider vinegar
This is an ideal product to clean your house and keep infestations away as well. If ants have gotten into your kitchen, clean your countertops, closets, and floors with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water (50/50 ratio).
It will work because insects hate the penetrating smell of vinegar and can smell it much more than humans.
Chalk or talcum
The chalk teachers use at school or talcum powder for feet are two homemade ant repellents that can prove to be very effective. Trace a line or sprinkle either of these on the area where these small but powerful enemies pass through.
Read more here: 10 Aromas that Fight off Mosquitoes
Lemon juice
There is no doubt that lemon is a powerful fruit that you must have at home. If you have an ant invasion, spray a little bit of juice on doorways and windows. You can dilute it in water if you like.
However, the fruit itself is so acid that it will confuse the insects on which way to go. It may also keep them from going inside your house again.
Herbs and spices
You can sprinkle mint, cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, or clove on the areas where the ants have been.
Some people say that bay leaves inside closets or drawers may keep bugs from entering. The penetrating smell may keep them from going inside your house.
Be careful if you have small children or pets because spices can cause allergies or rashes if they come in contact with them.
Coffee beans
When you make coffee, don’t throw away the beans or grounds. Sprinkle it around your garden (especially around the roses) and outside of your house. The ants may be repelled by the smell of this infusion, which is also a neutralizer of other smells as well.
In addition, that’s why it’s good to use coffee if your cats do their business on plants.
Mint
This aromatic herb that is often used for tea and desserts may help get rid of ants. Spray essential mint oil on door frames and windows. The good thing is that your house will always have a delicious smell and may always be free of insects.
Another option is to make an infusion with a handful of mint leaves in a cup of water, let chill, and put it in a spray bottle and spray it in the corners of your home. A third alternative is to make dry mint bags and hang them on windows.
Citrus or cucumber peels
We mentioned the properties of lemon juice as ant repellent above. You can boost the effect if you also use the peels of this fruit, along with orange, grapefruit, or tangerine peels. Cucumber skin may also be very effective. Once it decomposes, it becomes toxic for ants and may help keep them away.
Soapy water
Although ants like water, it irritates them when it has soap because they can’t move about easily. This simple repellent is made by mixing a few drops of liquid soap or detergent in water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray on those places where the insects tend to go.
Aromatic herbs
Besides mint, there are other herbs that may act as barriers to keep ants from entering your house. If you have a garden, don’t hesitate to make a barrier with lavender, spearmint, basil, thyme, pennyroyal, or oregano.
This article may interest you: Plants that You Can Use as Natural Flea and Tick Repellent
Eggshells
Placing broken up or crushed eggshells on windowsills and doors may help keep ants from entering your house. You can also use them to keep them from entering your kitchen cupboards.
Other homemade ant repellent recipes
- Recipe No. 1: In a 250 cm³ bottle of liquid hand soap, put 30 ml of each of the following herbs: tea tree oil, rose, cinnamon, mint, pennyroyal, and citronella. Add three large tablespoons of this preparation for every two cups of water and mix well.
- Recipe No. 2: Mix 1 cup of water (250 ml) with a large tablespoon of spicy salsa or a chili, 1/4 cup of liquid soap, and a small tablespoon of mint or spearmint essence. Put it in a spray bottle and spray wherever you see ants.
- Recipe No. 3: Grind a handful of nettles in a mortar. Boil five liters of water for a half hour. Let chill and then stand for five hours. Apply it to sidewalks and around the house.
We hope you enjoyed reading about these amazing natural ant repellents!
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