13 Smells Ants Absolutely Hate
Growing up in Texas, battling ants was almost a daily occurrence, especially during the warmer months. I tried every remedy my grandparents recommended, from sprinkling cornmeal to drawing chalk lines, but the one thing that consistently worked was leveraging the power of smell.
Ants, as it turns out, have a keen sense of smell, and certain scents drive them away faster than anything else. If you’ve been struggling to keep these tiny invaders out of your home, here are 13 smells that ants absolutely hate, backed by research and personal experience.
1. Peppermint
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Peppermint is one of the most effective natural ant repellents. The strong menthol aroma confuses ants by masking the scent trails they rely on to navigate.
A study published by Instars found that essential oils like peppermint are highly effective in repelling ants. To use, place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them around entry points or mix it with water to create a spray.
2. Vinegar
The pungent odor of vinegar is another scent that ants can’t stand. The acetic acid disrupts their ability to detect food sources, making it an excellent natural repellent.
The study by Instars also confirmed that vinegar effectively disorients ants and deters them from returning. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to ant trails and entry points.
3. Lemon
Lemon’s acidic nature and strong citrus scent make it a powerful ant deterrent. The limonene found in lemon peels is particularly effective at repelling ants, according to research published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators.
Place lemon peels near ant entry points or squeeze fresh lemon juice along their trails to keep them at bay.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice with a strong, warm aroma that ants find overwhelming. The study by Journal of Emerging Investigators also showed that cinnamon oil effectively repels ants and other insects.
You can sprinkle ground cinnamon near doorways, windowsills, and other entry points or use cinnamon essential oil for a more potent effect.
5. Clove
Clove has a sharp, spicy scent that is unpleasant to ants. The active compound eugenol in clove oil has been shown to be 88% effective in repelling ants, compared to 97% efficiency in insect repellent, according to a study published in the Research India Publications.
To use clove as a deterrent, place whole cloves in areas where ants are a problem or mix clove oil with water and spray it around the house.
6. Garlic
Garlic’s strong smell is another scent that ants detest. The sulfur compounds in garlic interfere with an ant’s sense of smell, making it difficult for them to communicate and find food.
A recent study highlighted garlic’s effectiveness as a natural pest repellent. Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them near ant entry points or mix garlic powder with water for a DIY spray.
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a strong, medicinal scent that ants find unbearable. According to Natural Institutes of Health, confirmed that eucalyptus oil is an effective ant repellent.
To use, soak cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and place them in areas where ants are commonly seen, or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water for a quick solution.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful ant deterrent due to its strong, antiseptic scent. Research published in by Instars found that tea tree oil is 100% effective against a wide range of insects, including ants.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray it around baseboards, windows, and doorways.
9. Coffee Grounds
The smell of coffee grounds is another natural ant repellent. The strong odor confuses ants and masks the scent of food.
A study conducted by the Instars found that used coffee grounds effectively repel ants. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home or directly on ant mounds to keep them away.
10. Lavender
Lavender’s soothing aroma may be relaxing to us, but ants can’t stand it. According to the same research by Instars, lavender oil disrupts ants’ scent trails and deters them from entering treated areas.
Use dried lavender sachets or place a few drops of lavender oil on cotton balls and place them near ant-prone areas.
11. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural ant repellent with a spicy aroma that ants find intolerable. The capsaicin in cayenne interferes with their sense of smell and taste, making it difficult for them to locate food.
Research published in Instars suggests that cayenne pepper is highly effective at keeping ants at bay. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around entry points or mix it with water to create a spray.
12. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have a subtle yet powerful scent that repels ants. The active compounds in bay leaves, such as eucalyptol, create an environment that ants find inhospitable.
Yet again, Instars confirmed the effectiveness of bay leaves in repelling ants. Place whole bay leaves in pantry shelves, cabinets, or anywhere you see ant activity.
13. Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil has a deep, woody scent that ants detest. It works by disrupting their pheromone trails, making it difficult for them to navigate. Confirmed by none other than the USDA, cedarwood oil is an effective natural insect repellent.
To use, apply a few drops of cedarwood oil to cotton balls and place them around entry points, or use cedar chips in problem areas.
