How to Get Rid of Ants in the House, According to a Pro
DIY remedies, bait traps, and more go-to solutions.
Article by Laura Millar, Good Housekeeping and Insetti Pest Services
Ants might be small, but they can cause a huge problem if they manage to invade your home. While ants are generally not considered dangerous, some may carry bacteria, making them an unwelcome guest in any house.
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If you're wondering how to get rid of ants quickly, there are plenty of things you can do as a homeowner using materials you probably already have. We spoke to Steve Zaccone, owner and operator of Insetti Pest Services, for expert-approved ways to get rid of and prevent these pesky creatures from sneaking into your home.
How to Identify Ants
Understanding what type of ants you have in your home could tell you more about why they're invading it in the first place and consequently, how to repel them. According to Zaccone, there are many different ant species that could make their way into your home, and you might need a magnifier in order to identify them.
Here are a few of the most common types:
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Sugar ants: These tiny brown or black creatures are attracted to sugary substances as their name suggests. If you find ants in the kitchen or pantry where sweets have been left out in the open, you might be dealing with sugar ants.​
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Citronella ants: Citronella ants can often be identified by the odor they release when crushed. Hint: It's in the name. "They’re light yellow to reddish brown, and their presence can mean moisture issues. They’re usually found around the exterior foundation of homes," says Zaccone.
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Pavement ants: Pavement ants are dark brown or black creatures that make their nests under pavement and enter through cracks in the home.
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Carpenter ants: "Carpenter ants are common too and can also mean that there's a leak present somewhere causing moisture," says Zaccone. Although these ants chew wood, they don't actually eat it. Instead, they hollow it out so they can live in it.
How to Get Rid of Ants
If you already have an ant problem, the issue is unlikely to resolve on its own. However, there are a few ways you can get rid of these critters. Consider these effective solutions:
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1. Seal cracks around entryways.
Ants can make their way into your home through the tiniest of cracks. That's why it's so important to properly inspect all entryways around your home, especially when you've noticed ants inside.
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"You can reduce ant activity by checking for holes and gaps around the house. Inspect around windows and doors," says Zaccone. "You can use silicone or caulk. You can put door sweeps on the bottom of exterior doors."
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2. Invest in bait traps.
Instead of going straight for pesticides, invest in ant bait. While pesticides often leave unwanted residue around the house, ant bait stays contained in the trap. When worker ants discover the bait, they bring it back to their colony to share it, making it more likely to wipe out the whole colony.
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3. Keep the house clean.
This one is especially important if you're dealing with sugar ants in particular. Make sure to keep all food in airtight containers and wipe down counters and floors as much as possible.
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4. DIY your own ant repellent.
There are a couple of homemade recipes you can try involving dish soap, essential oils and white vinegar. Here are the ratios:
Dish soap: Fill a spray bottle with 10% dish soap and 90% water. Spray it directly on the ants and wipe them away.
Essential oils: Add 10 drops of peppermint, thyme or citrus to a cup of water. Mix and fill a spray bottle. Spray any surfaces that ants seem to be attracted to.
White vinegar: Add equal parts water and white vinegar to a spray bottle. Similar to essential oils, white vinegar acts as a repellent. Spray on any surfaces you've spotted ants. Just be sure to avoid using this spray on natural stone.
5. Hire a professional.
If you've tried everything without much success, it's time to seek out professional assistance.
"As a professional, we use a gel bait in key areas where activity is present. We also apply an exterior treatment of the foundation with a pesticide. With the use of gel bait inside and an exterior treatment along the foundation, this usually eliminates the ants," says Zaccone.
How to Prevent Ants
Once the ants are all gone, take these preventative measures to ensure they don't make their way into your home again.
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Cut off all food sources: If ants can't find food, they'll be less likely to invade your home. Eliminating all food sources means cleaning up any spills, putting all food away after meals and keeping everything in airtight containers.
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Landscape your home: Lining your home with rocks or pebbles could help deter ants that don't want to cross those barriers.
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Wipe off all surfaces: This includes crumbs, sticky floors, and countertop spills. Make it a habit to wipe off all surfaces before bed.
Laura Millar
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
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Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
