If you’ve noticed sugar ants trailing through your kitchen, you’re not alone. These tiny pests follow scent trails to food, and once they establish a path, they invite the whole colony. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of them.
Instead, try these 10 natural remedies to eliminate sugar ants and keep them from coming back.
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar disrupts ant pheromone trails, making it harder for them to find food.
✅ How to Use:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray countertops, floors, and entry points daily.
This simple solution removes lingering ant trails and prevents new ones from forming.
2. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils repel sugar ants and other common household pests.
✅ Best Oils to Use:
- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon oil
✅ How to Use:
- Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil with a cup of water.
- Spray along windows, doors, and baseboards where ants enter.
- Soak cotton balls in the oil and leave them in problem areas.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that kills ants by dehydrating them.
✅ How to Use:
- Sprinkle DE along baseboards, entry points, and behind appliances.
- Keep it dry, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.
Note: Only use food-grade DE, as industrial versions are unsafe for homes.
4. Boric Acid and Sugar DIY Ant Bait
Boric acid slowly kills ants by disrupting their digestive system, allowing them to carry the poison back to the colony.
✅ How to Make the Bait:
- Mix ½ teaspoon boric acid + 8 teaspoons sugar + a little water to form a syrup.
- Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them where ants are active.
Caution: Keep boric acid baits away from pets and children.
5. Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
A combination of baking soda and sugar works similarly to boric acid by killing ants after ingestion.
✅ How to Use:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar.
- Sprinkle the mixture along ant trails and entry points.
6. Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice disrupts scent trails and repels ants.
✅ How to Use:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice around entry points and windows.
- Mix lemon juice with water and spray ant trails.
7. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves naturally repel ants and other pests like cockroaches.
✅ How to Use:
- Place whole bay leaves inside pantry containers to deter ants.
- Crush dried leaves and sprinkle them around entry points and cabinets.
8. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds act as a natural repellent for sugar ants, bed bugs, and termites.
✅ How to Use:
- Sprinkle coffee grounds near doorways, windowsills, and baseboards.
- Replace every few days for continued effectiveness.
9. Seal Entry Points with Caulk
Preventing ants from entering your home is one of the most effective control methods.
✅ How to Do It:
- Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards with caulk.
- Check pipes and wiring for small openings and seal them.
10. Keep Your Home Clean
The easiest way to prevent sugar ants is by removing their food sources.
✅ Cleaning Habits to Adopt:
- Wipe down countertops daily with vinegar or soapy water.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
When to Call a Pest Control Company
If natural remedies aren’t working or the infestation keeps coming back, it may be time to call in professionals.
At On Demand Pest Control, our expert exterminators:
✅ Identify the specific ant species.
✅ Locate and treat hidden nests.
✅ Use targeted pest management techniques for long-term results.
📞 Contact us today for a free inspection and take control of your home!
