How to Kill Ants: 12 Chemical and Natural Ways to Try

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Ants are one of the most common household pests in many parts of the world. They often enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. When ants appear in large numbers, they can quickly become stressful. Learning how to kill ants in a safe and effective way is important for keeping your home clean and comfortable.

An ant invasion can be very annoying. These tiny insects walk across your counters, get into your food, and make trails on your walls. You may feel frustrated when you clean them up, but they come back the next day. Learning how to kill ants is important for keeping your home clean and comfortable.

If you are frustrated dealing with ants at home, don't worry. In this article, we will share some tips on how to kill ants at home, both using chemicals and natural remedies. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (8/1/2025).

Chemical products can be a fast way to solve your ant problem. When you need to know how to kill ants quickly, these products can help. Here are some common chemical options:

1. Borax Solutions

Borax is a white powder that works well against ants. Mix half a teaspoon of borax with eight teaspoons of sugar and one cup of warm water. Stir until everything dissolves. Put this mixture on cotton balls and place them where you see ants. The ants will eat it and take it back to their nest. Remember to keep borax away from children and pets because it can be harmful.

2. Boric Acid

Boric acid is similar to borax but works in a different way. You can make the same mixture as borax with sugar and water. You can also mix boric acid with sweet foods like maple syrup. Spread this on cardboard pieces and put them near ant trails. This poison kills ants slowly, which gives them time to share it with other ants in their colony.

3. Commercial Ant Baits

Many stores sell ready-made ant baits. These products contain poison mixed with food that attracts ants. The ants eat the bait and carry it back to their nest. This helps kill the queen ant and the whole colony. Always follow the instructions on the package carefully.

If you prefer natural methods, there are many ways to kill ants without harsh chemicals. These home remedies use common items you may already have. Here are effective natural solutions for how to kill ants:

1. Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the simplest methods. When you find ant holes outside your home, carefully pour boiling water into them. The hot water kills many ants immediately. This method works best for outdoor ant nests. You may need to repeat this several times because ant colonies are often very large underground.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

This is a natural powder made from tiny sea creatures called diatoms. Sprinkle this powder where ants walk in your home. The powder damages the outside of the ant's body and dries them out. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth, not the type used for swimming pools. Wear a mask when you use it to avoid breathing in the dust.

3. Vinegar Spray

White vinegar is cheap and easy to find. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture directly on ants to kill them. You can also spray it on surfaces where ants walk. Vinegar removes the scent trail that ants follow, which helps stop more ants from coming.

4. Dish Soap and Water

Mix water with liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on ants when you see them. The soap kills ants quickly. This method is safe to use around your home and does not leave harmful chemicals.

5. Cornstarch Method

Cornstarch can smother large groups of ants at once. Pour cornstarch over the ants, then add water on top. This traps and kills many ants together. You can also cover ants with cornstarch and vacuum them up immediately. Throw away the vacuum bag outside right away.

6. Essential Oils

Some essential oils work well against ants. One of the most effective ones is peppermint oil. Mix 10 to 20 drops of peppermint oil with two cups of water. Spray this around doorways and windows. Tea tree oil and cinnamon oil also work well. These oils smell strong to ants and keep them away. They also make your home smell fresh.

7. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice removes the scent trails that ants follow. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water. Spray this mixture where ants enter your home. You can also put lemon peels in your cupboards to keep ants away from your food storage areas.

8. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds can help repel ants. Sprinkle fresh, wet coffee grounds near places where ants come inside. Put them on small pieces of cardboard for easy cleanup. Change the coffee grounds often because they stop working when they dry out completely.

9. Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon powder bothers ants and can make them go away. Sprinkle cinnamon along ant trails and near entry points. Some people use cinnamon essential oil on cotton swabs to draw lines that ants will not cross. This method also makes your home smell nice.

Prevention is the best way to avoid ant problems. When you stop ants from entering your home, you will not need to worry about how to kill ants as often. Here are important prevention steps:

1. Keep Food Sealed

Store all food in tight containers or sealed plastic bags. Never leave food sitting out on counters. Pay special attention to sweet foods like sugar, honey, and syrup. These attract ants very quickly. Wash all dishes right after you finish eating.

2. Clean Your Home Regularly

Wipe down counters and tables every day. Sweep or vacuum floors to remove crumbs. Clean up any spills immediately. Pay attention to areas under appliances and inside couch cushions where crumbs can hide. A clean home is much less attractive to ants.

3. Remove Pet Food

Do not leave pet food bowls out all day. Pick them up as soon as your pet finishes eating. Wash the bowls right away to remove food smells. Place water bowls on small plates filled with water to create a barrier that ants cannot cross.

4. Seal Entry Points

Look for cracks in your walls and holes near floors. Check around windows and doors for gaps. Use caulk or putty to seal these openings. Fix any torn window screens. This stops ants from finding ways into your home.

5. Fix Water Leaks

Ants need water to survive. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets in your home. Make sure your home does not have damp areas. Good drainage around your house also helps keep ants away.

6. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean

Trim plants and bushes away from your house walls. Remove dead leaves and debris from your yard. Keep garbage cans clean and tightly closed. These steps make the area around your home less welcoming to ant colonies.

7. Check Houseplants

Sometimes ants make nests in the soil of indoor plants. Check your plants regularly for ant activity. If you find ants in a plant, remove it from your home. You can try placing citrus peels around the base of plants to discourage ants from nesting there.