How to Use Herbs to Keep Ants Away

Ants are everywhere, and most homes suffer from invasions and infestations on a yearly basis. Nothing is safe. If there is no food available, ants will go after the water in a sink, and once they are inside, they will find something. The only option might seem to be expending a great deal of money on poisons that are dangerous to you, your children, and your pets, but there is another option. A number of herbs and natural compounds repel ants and careful use can at least limit the presence of these pests in your home without harsh chemicals.

Strong Scented Powders

Any herb with a strong scent will deter ants to some degree. Bay leaves, basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, cloves and cinnamon have all been used to repel ants. The herbs can be sprinkled over the ant trail or used to create a line blocking the entrance of the ants. Strong scented herbs will block ants both inside and outside the house. Just remember to replace them outside after a strong wind or rain and inside after cleaning.

Spicy Powders

Pepper, whether black pepper or chili powder, is an excellent way to deter ants. It works much like the scented herbs. In this case, the spiciness is what repels the ants. The powder can be sprinkled along the trail or in a line across an ant entrance. Alternately, mix chilli powder with water to form a paste and block up the opening with the paste. This will make sure the ants really don't want to try and get in that way.

Spray Options

Not an herb, but definitely a natural product, vinegar eliminates the ants' scent trails. Spray straight or in a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. Use this spray on counters, windowsills, doorways, floors and even outside, anywhere ants invade. Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used. Vinegar is nontoxic and the sharp scent will fade quickly on exposure to air. Repeat applications whenever you see more ants or just when you pass by several times a day.

Alternatively, use a few drops of essential oils mixed with a spray bottle of water. Kill the ants in the trail, then destroy their scent trail with the spray. Spray openings to discourage ants from coming in. Peppermint essential oil is especially effective in a spray. Ants absolutely abhor something in the oil and avoid it completely. However, be careful using essential oils as some contain chemicals that can injure your pets.

Outdoor Planting

Plant herbs that repel ants outside your home to keep them away. Mint is especially good for this since there is something in the oil that completely repels ants. Tansy, while a lesser known plant, also repels ants. Plant near openings in your home for the best results. Trimmings from outdoor plants can be dried and scattered inside to further repel ants that do make it inside.