How to Get Rid of Ants in the House: Natural and Pro Methods

Learning how to get rid of ants in the house starts with understanding why they come in. Ants follow food, water and shelter. Once one scout finds a crumb, it leaves a scent trail for the whole colony. Fortunately, you can break that trail and stop the invasion with a few simple steps.

Identify the Type of Ant

Different ants need different treatments. Common household ants include these.

• Sugar ants: small, brown, drawn to sweets
• Carpenter ants: large, black, nest in damp wood
• Pavement ants: dark brown, nest under slabs and stones
• Odorous house ants: give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed

Carpenter ants can damage wood. If you see sawdust-like piles near wood, call a pest professional.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the House With Natural Methods

Wipe Trails With Vinegar

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then spray trails, entry points and countertops. Vinegar erases the scent trail that guides other ants.

Use Dish Soap and Water

Soapy water kills ants on contact. Spray it directly on visible ants, and wipe the area clean.

Sprinkle Cinnamon or Pepper

Ants avoid strong spices. Place a line of ground cinnamon, black pepper or cayenne across entry points. This method repels ants, but it does not destroy the colony.

Try Borax and Sugar Bait

Mix one part borax with three parts sugar, then add enough water to form a paste. Place small dabs on cardboard near ant trails. Workers carry the bait back to the nest. Keep borax away from children and pets.

Use Commercial Baits for Stubborn Colonies

Gel and liquid ant baits work slowly but thoroughly. Ants feed on them and share them with the colony. Place baits along trails, and do not spray repellents nearby, because that will scare ants away from the bait. The EPA shares safe guidance on its safe pest control page.

Find and Seal Entry Points

Follow the ant trail to see where they enter. Common spots include window frames, door thresholds, pipe gaps and foundation cracks. Seal them with caulk. This step prevents future invasions.

Remove What Attracts Ants

• Wipe counters and sweep floors daily
• Store sugar, honey and cereal in airtight containers
• Take out the trash often
• Rinse recyclables before storing them
• Fix leaky pipes and dry damp areas
• Do not leave pet food out overnight

Moisture draws ants, so check for leaks with our guide on how to find a water leak.

Prevent Ants Outside

Trim shrubs and branches away from the house. Keep mulch a few inches from the foundation. Also move firewood away from exterior walls.

When to Call a Professional

Call an exterminator if ants keep returning after two weeks of treatment. Also call one if you suspect carpenter ants or find a large colony inside the walls.

Final Thoughts

You can get rid of ants in the house by cutting off their trails, using baits and sealing entry points. Combine good cleaning habits with prevention, and ants will have little reason to return.