If you mean “what can be used to keep ants away because ants can’t stand it?”, several natural substances are known to repel ants because of their strong smells or effects on their scent trails. They usually do not kill ants permanently, but they can discourage them from entering areas if used correctly.
1. Vinegar (especially white vinegar)
Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate. Vinegar’s strong acidic smell can disrupt these trails.
How to use:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Spray along:
- Door frames
- Window edges
- Countertops
- Cracks and entry points
- Ant trails
Note: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite because it can damage them.
2. Peppermint oil
Many ants dislike the strong smell of peppermint.
How to use:
- Add 10–20 drops of peppermint essential oil to a cup of water.
- Spray around entry points and areas where ants appear.
- Refresh every few days because the smell fades.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s strong aroma can interfere with ants’ ability to follow trails.
How to use:
- Sprinkle cinnamon powder near:
- Cracks
- Doors
- Windows
- Ant pathways
Cinnamon oil is often stronger than powder.
4. Lemon juice
The citrus smell can disrupt ant trails.
How to use:
- Mix lemon juice with water.
- Spray near entrances and wipe surfaces where ants travel.
5. Coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds may discourage ants because of their strong smell.
How to use:
- Place dry grounds near outdoor ant entry areas.
- Replace when the smell disappears.
6. Diatomaceous earth (food-grade)
This is a powder made from fossilized microscopic organisms. It damages insects’ outer protective layer, causing dehydration.
How to use safely:
- Apply a thin line around cracks, windows, and outdoor entry points.
- Use food-grade diatomaceous earth only.
- Avoid breathing the dust.
7. Keep ants away permanently (best approach)
Repellents work better when combined with prevention:
- Remove food sources
- Store sugar, flour, and snacks in sealed containers.
- Clean crumbs and spills quickly.
- Block entry points
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and pipes.
- Remove water sources
- Fix leaking taps.
- Dry wet areas.
- Clean ant trails
- Wipe trails with soapy water or vinegar solution.
- Use bait when there is an infestation
- Repellents may only move ants to another route.
- Ant baits allow worker ants to carry food back to the colony.
A simple homemade ant-repellent spray:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops peppermint oil
Shake and spray around entry points every few days.
For a serious infestation, identifying the ant species and locating the nest is usually more effective than relying only on smells.