The best way to get rid of ants is to eliminate their food and water sources, seal entry points, and use ant baits or natural repellents like vinegar, cinnamon, or diatomaceous earth. If the infestation is severe, consider contacting a pest control professional. Eliminating food and water sources, cleaning up crumbs and spills, and sealing any cracks or gaps in doors and windows to prevent further entry. Use ant baits to target the colony, as they attract ants that carry poison back to the nest. For a natural approach, try repellents like vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon to disrupt their scent trails. Diatomaceous earth can also be effective, as it dehydrates ants by damaging their exoskeletons. If the infestation persists, consider contacting a professional pest control service for a targeted solution.
| Method | Description | Effectiveness | Best For | Additional Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminate Food & Water Sources | Clean up food crumbs, store food in airtight containers, and fix water leaks. | High | All types of ants | The Spruce’s Ant Prevention Guide |
| Seal Entry Points | Use caulk, weatherstripping, or expandable foam to seal cracks and gaps where ants can enter. | High | All types of ants | Pest Control Strategies |
| Use Ant Baits | Place slow-acting bait to poison ants that return it to the nest, killing the colony. | Very High | Ant colonies like Argentine or Carpenter ants | Ant Control Solutions by Orkin |
| Natural Repellents | Use vinegar, peppermint oil, or citrus to disrupt ants’ scent trails and repel them. | Moderate to High | Smaller infestations, eco-friendly options | ResearchGate on Essential Oils |
| Diatomaceous Earth | Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth along trails and entry points to kill ants by dehydration. | High | Long-term control, pet-safe options | The Pesticide Research Institute |
| Professional Pest Control | Hire experts for advanced treatments and long-term solutions, especially for large infestations. | Very High | Severe infestations or difficult-to-reach colonies | Terminix Ant Resources |
Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Eliminate Food and Water Sources
The most effective way to get rid of ants is by addressing their primary attractants: food and water. Ants, particularly species like Argentine ants and Odorous house ants, are opportunistic feeders and require a constant food supply. These insects are drawn to sugary substances, protein, and fats, which they gather to sustain themselves and their colonies. To reduce food sources, clean up food residues such as crumbs, sticky syrup spills, and juice traces, particularly in kitchens and dining areas. Properly store food in airtight containers made of materials that ants cannot penetrate, like glass or hard plastic. Additionally, food should be consumed or discarded promptly to prevent leftovers from becoming a beacon for ants. Water sources, such as leaky faucets, damp soil, and standing water, are just as attractive. Ants are drawn to moisture, which is crucial for their survival, especially during dry weather. Fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms reduces water availability, helping to starve the colony. For more information on food storage and moisture control, visit The Spruce’s Ant Prevention Guide.
Second Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Seal Entry Points
Sealing the entry points to your home is a critical technical step in preventing ants from infiltrating. Ants are adept at finding and exploiting the smallest gaps, cracks, and crevices. These entryways can be as small as 1/32 inch wide, which is the approximate width of an average ant’s body. Inspection should include doors, windows, vents, plumbing pipes, and even tiny cracks in the foundation or around electrical wiring. The use of caulk, expandable foam, and weatherstripping creates a physical barrier that prevents ants from accessing your living space. Specific sealing materials like silicone caulk are especially effective for cracks, while copper mesh or steel wool can be used to block larger openings around utility lines. The process of sealing is also an ongoing effort, as weather conditions such as heat and humidity can cause seals to deteriorate. A professional-grade sealant or epoxy may be necessary for outdoor areas exposed to the elements. A detailed guide on sealing your home can be found on Pest Control Strategies.
Third Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are a scientifically designed tool for eradicating ants at their source—the colony. When using bait, it’s essential to understand that ants do not forage only for food but also share resources within their colonies through a process called trophallaxis. This means that when worker ants bring poisoned bait back to the nest, they spread it throughout the colony, including to the queen, leading to the collapse of the entire nest. Ant baits typically contain slow-acting insecticides such as hydramethylnon or borax, which are ingested by ants and gradually kill them. Ant baits work best when ants are actively foraging and the baits are placed in direct paths or near known entry points. To avoid interfering with the baits, it is crucial to refrain from cleaning the area for several days after application. Additionally, different species of ants may prefer different bait formulations, so selecting the correct bait for your particular infestation is critical. Species like pharaoh ants might prefer protein-based baits, while carpenter ants gravitate toward sugar-based offerings. For a deeper dive into ant bait strategies, check out Ant Control Solutions by Orkin.
Fourth Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents are a chemical-free option for getting rid of ants, but understanding their mechanisms is important for effective use. Ants communicate using pheromones, which they deposit on the ground as a trail to guide other ants to food sources. Natural repellents, such as vinegar, essential oils, and citrus-based products, work by interfering with these pheromone trails, effectively “confusing” the ants and making it harder for them to navigate. Vinegar, with its acetic acid content, disrupts the ants’ ability to sense their environment and communicate with colony members. Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus can be particularly potent because they mimic strong, overpowering smells that overwhelm ants’ antennae. When used correctly, these substances can create a barrier that ants avoid, although the effects are temporary and must be reapplied regularly. Unlike chemical pesticides, these natural repellents are safe for pets and humans but may not provide a long-term solution for large infestations. For more technical information on essential oils and their use in pest control, refer to ResearchGate’s Study on Essential Oils.
Fifth Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a highly effective, mechanical method to get rid of ants. DE is made up of finely ground fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic algae with sharp edges. When ants come into contact with DE, it cuts through their exoskeletons, causing them to lose moisture and eventually die from dehydration. This method works by disrupting the ants’ protective outer layer, which is crucial for retaining moisture. Unlike chemical pesticides, DE is safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects. However, it needs to be applied carefully to achieve maximum effectiveness. It is important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is non-toxic, and apply it in thin, even layers along ant trails and near potential entry points. DE is most effective in dry conditions, so it should be reapplied after rain or cleaning. It is a long-lasting solution when applied strategically, but it may take some time to see results. To learn more about the science behind DE, visit The Pesticide Research Institute.
Sixth Best Way to Get Rid of Ants: Professional Pest Control
In cases where DIY methods are ineffective or the infestation is extensive, professional pest control offers the most thorough solution. Pest control technicians employ advanced techniques that may involve targeted insecticide application, baiting systems, and colony identification, which is difficult for homeowners to perform accurately. Professional exterminators use methods tailored to specific ant species, such as gel baits for pharaoh ants or liquid treatments for carpenter ants. The treatment approach is designed based on the biology of the colony, where experts can identify the nest location (which may be hidden inside walls or in the soil) and apply the correct treatment to eradicate the infestation at the source. Professionals can also provide long-term prevention plans, including regular monitoring and maintenance. For an in-depth explanation of pest control strategies, visit Terminix’s Ant Control Resources.
