How to Get Rid of Ants: Simple and Effective Ways to Eliminate Ants from Your Home

How to Get Rid of Ants: Simple and Effective Ways to Eliminate Ants from Your Home

Ants may be small, but they can quickly become a big problem in your home. Once they find a reliable food source, it doesn't take long before an entire colony moves in. Whether you’re dealing with tiny sugar ants in the kitchen or carpenter ants in the walls, learning how to get rid of ants is key to maintaining a clean and pest-free space.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, science-backed ways to get rid of ants—and keep them from coming back.

Identify the Type of Ants

Before you jump into action, it helps to know what kind of ants you're dealing with, as different species require different approaches.

• Sugar ants / odorous house ants – Common in kitchens and pantries.
• Carpenter ants – Nest in wood and can damage your home.
• Pavement ants – Usually nest outside but invade homes in search of food.
• Pharaoh ants – Hard to eliminate and often found in hospitals or large buildings.

Find and Block the Entry Points

Ants leave scent trails that other ants follow. Finding where they’re getting in is step one.

• Inspect windows, doors, and baseboards.
• Look for cracks in the foundation or gaps around cables and pipes.
• Seal holes with caulk or weather stripping.

Clean Up What’s Attracting Them

Ants are always looking for food and water. Here’s how to remove the attraction:

• Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily.
• Store food in sealed containers.
• Take out trash frequently.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Fix leaky pipes or faucets—they’re looking for moisture too.

Tip: Use a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water to clean surfaces. This removes the ant scent trails and repels them.

Use Natural Remedies to Repel Ants

Want to go chemical-free? Try these natural ant repellents:

• White vinegar: Spray along baseboards and entry points.
• Lemon juice: Disrupts scent trails.
• Cinnamon: Ants dislike the strong smell.
• Diatomaceous earth (food grade): Harmless to humans, deadly to ants.
• Peppermint oil: Add a few drops to water and spray around your home.

Set Up Ant Baits

Ant baits are one of the most effective ways to kill ants at the source—the nest.

• Use borax and sugar mixtures to attract ants. They carry it back to the colony.
• Commercial ant baits are also available and easy to place in corners or under appliances.

Important: Be patient. Baits work slowly, but they kill the entire colony—not just the ants you see.

Avoid Using Spray Insecticides at First

It’s tempting to kill ants on sight, but avoid using ant sprays if you're using baits. Sprays kill the foragers before they bring poison back to the colony.

If you need to spray:

• Use it only as a last resort.
• Focus on nests, not trails.
• Always follow the product’s safety instructions.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, the infestation is too large or complex to handle on your own. Call a pest control professional if:

• You see ants inside the walls or ceilings.
• You find multiple colonies.
• You’re dealing with carpenter ants or Pharaoh ants.
• DIY solutions haven’t worked after several weeks.

How to Prevent Future Infestations

Once you've dealt with the immediate issue, keep your home ant-free with these habits:

• Clean up spills immediately.
• Store food properly.
• Keep pet bowls clean.
• Take the trash out regularly.
• Trim bushes and trees away from your home’s exterior.

Bonus tip: Spread diatomaceous earth or citrus peels around the perimeter of your home as a natural barrier.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of ants doesn’t require harsh chemicals or panic. With a bit of patience and the right strategy, you can eliminate ants and keep your home clean and comfortable. Start by removing their attractions, blocking entry points, and using slow-acting baits to tackle the colony itself.