18 Easy Ways I Keep Ants Out Of My Yard

I don’t know about you, but having to scour the yard for ant beds every day so that my toddler doesn’t step in them gets old pretty fast. Getting bitten by an ant is no picnic, and it’s just one of the many reasons why you might want those pests away from your yard.

They can be a real issue for gardens too -especially when they team up with aphids. These little pests produce a sweet liquid called honeydew that ants can’t resist. In return for the sugary treat, ants protect aphids from predators, which can lead to your plants suffering. Aphid overpopulation not only discolors leaves but can also stunt growth and weaken the roots due to the ants’ tunneling.

I’m tired of them, you’re tired of them, and it’s time to get them gone. Here are over 15 natural ways to repel and terminate ants so that you can enjoy your outdoor space in peace.

Sweet Flag

Sweet flag, also known as calamus, is a hairless herb you can find across North America, and it packs a potent punch against ants. Research shows that sweet flag has significant insecticidal properties, capable of wiping out ant colonies in just about 24 hours.

Talcum Powder

Most talcum powders contain cornstarch, which is great at absorbing moisture. When you sprinkle a generous amount of talcum powder over ant-infested areas, it works to dry out the ants physically. This can help reduce their numbers and discourage them from returning.

Garlic

The strong sulfur compounds in garlic produce a scent that’s unbearable to ants and many other pests. Just put a few cloves around your garden or near entry points to build a natural barrier. The strong odor will send ants marching in the opposite direction. It’s a great, eco-friendly option that works pretty well as long as you’re okay with the smell of garlic lingering in your outdoor spaces.

Cayenne Pepper

Sprinkling cayenne or black pepper around ant hills disrupts their pheromone trails, making it hard for them to navigate and communicate. This method won’t kill the ants, but it’s great for making sure they don’t feel welcome. Just scatter some around areas where you’ve noticed activity, and watch as the ants decide to head somewhere else.

Flower Pots

Have any flower pots you aren’t using? Find an ant mound in your garden, cover it with an upside-down flower pot, and then pour boiling water through the drainage hole. The heat and water will collapse the anthill and eliminate the colony inside. Just be careful when handling boiling water and make sure to protect your plants and feet!

Baking Soda

The internet is divided on baking soda as an ant repellent, but many swear that it’s a winner. If you’re up for a little experiment, try mixing equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar. The sugar lures the ants in, and the baking soda delivers the knockout. Sprinkle it directly onto ant mounds and see what happens. The idea is that once ingested, the baking soda reacts violently inside the ant’s stomach, causing them to die.

Salt

Let me preface by saying there is no concrete evidence that this one works. Basically, many gardeners believe salt can dehydrate and kill ants. The theory is that when ants eat the salt, it pulls moisture from their bodies, leading to dehydration. Sprinkle salt around ant mounds or along their trails to test this method yourself. Just be mindful that too much salt can hurt your greenery.

Dried Mint Tea

Got some mint lying around? Whether it’s fresh sprigs or dried mint tea, you’ve got yourself a powerful tool against ants. Much like peppermint oil, mint’s strong scent is a major turn-off for ants. It messes with their ability to sniff out food sources and communicate effectively. Sprinkle dried mint or place small sachets of dried mint tea in areas where you’ve seen ants.

Diatomaceous Earth

If you’re looking for a surefire way to deal with ants, diatomaceous earth (DE) might be your best bet. This fine powder is a natural pest killer. When ants crawl over diatomaceous earth, it absorbs the oils in their skeletons, dehydrating and eventually killing them. Sprinkle DE along ant trails, near entry points, or around your garden. Remember to reapply after it rains!

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil packs a punch with its scent that ants find pretty disorienting. It masks the pheromone trails they rely on for communication and navigation. A few drops along entry points or garden paths can significantly reduce ant traffic.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are a popular home remedy for keeping ants away. While it’s not entirely clear why ants steer clear of coffee grounds, the most popular theory is that they’re put off by the strong smell. Just sprinkle your used grounds around garden beds or along the foundation of your house.

Borax

18 Easy Ways I Keep Ants Out of My Yard 15 — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Borax, a household cleaner you might halready ahve in your laundry room, doubles as a potent ant deterrent. To use Borax for ant control, mix it with sugar to make a tempting, yet deadly gel bait. Place this mixture near ant trails or directly into their nests. The sugar attracts the ants, while the Borax disrupts their digestive system, effectively killing them. Remember, Borax is toxic, so keep it out of reach of pets and kids.

Cinnamon

The strong scent of cinnamon is believed to be an effective ant repellent. All you have to do is sprinkle cinnamon powder in areas where you’ve noticed ant activity. The intense smell confuses their scent trails and discourages them from crossing the barrier. Reapply after rain or if you see any new ant trails pop up.

Citrus Peel

orange peel — Image Credit: zkruger from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Ants are not fans of the acidic oils found in the rinds of lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. These oils contain d-Limonene which is known for being a natural repellent. Scatter fresh citrus peels around your garden or entry points to keep ants away. For a more active approach, boil some citrus peels in water and use the strained liquid as a spray around your home’s perimeter. It works well and smells good too!

Dish Soap

Mixing a teaspoon of your everyday liquid dish soap with a pint of water creates a lethal spray that can stop ants in their tracks. When sprayed directly on them, the soapy mixture blocks the ants’ spiracles—the tiny breathing holes in their bodies—leading to suffocation. While this method is a bit harsher, it’s super effective at dealing with immediate ant problems in and around your home.

Chalk

Ants follow a pheromone trail laid by their fellow colony members to find food sources. By drawing a line of chalk over these trails, you disrupt their scent markings and confuse them. This can prevent ants from finding their way into your home or garden.

Cornmeal or Flour

By mixing cornmeal with something more potent, like boric acid or diatomaceous earth, you create an effective ant bait. Ants are attracted to the cornmeal and carry the lethal ingredient back to their colony. This method provides a way to target the colony without relying on unproven folk remedies. Remember to use caution with boric acid, especially around pets and children.

Vinegar

Ants really hate vinegar because it messes up their scent trails, making it hard for them to find their way back. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and give the high-traffic ant areas a good spray. This is an excellent way to keep the ants away without causing them any harm. You’ll need to reapply the mixture now and then to keep your garden secure.