What Can Keep Ants Away?
If you’re referring to the viral claim “Ants can’t stand it! Use it to keep them away for good,” there’s usually an important distinction: many household substances may temporarily repel ants, but they don’t necessarily eliminate the colony.
Better ways to deal with ants
- White vinegar: Wiping ant trails with diluted vinegar can help remove the scent trails ants use to navigate. It usually isn’t a permanent solution.
- Soapy water: Cleaning visible ants and their trails with soapy water can disrupt their scent trail.
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and other openings.
- Remove food sources: Keep food in sealed containers and clean crumbs, spills, and pet-food areas.
- Address moisture: Repair leaks and eliminate standing water when possible.
- Use ant bait: For an established infestation, appropriately used ant bait can be more effective because worker ants carry the bait back to the colony.
Be careful with “natural” remedies
Cinnamon, coffee grounds, citrus peels, peppermint oil, baking soda, and similar remedies are often promoted online. Some may discourage ants temporarily, but evidence that they eliminate an established colony is limited.
If you want to keep ants away for good, the key is usually to remove their food/water sources and target the colony, rather than simply putting a strong-smelling substance along the trail.
