How to get rid of ants using simple ingredients from your kitchen
With monsoon comes the familiar sight of ants marching across your floors, clustering near sugar jars or swarming around food scraps. These tiny invaders can be more than a nuisance, quickly turning into a full-blown infestation, especially in Indian homes where warm weather, leftover food and open storage create a perfect environment.
But you don't need harsh chemicals or expensive pest control to deal with them. Instead, you can rely on simple, time-tested Indian household remedies and clever habits that are safe, natural and cost-effective. Here's how to get rid of ants in your home using easy, desi methods.
Easy kitchen fixes to get rid of ants naturally
Haldi (turmeric)
Turmeric is widely used in Indian kitchens—and ants absolutely hate it. Its strong smell and antibacterial properties make it a powerful ant deterrent.
Just sprinkle a thin line of turmeric powder near entry points like window sills, cracks, or under the gas cylinder. Ants will avoid crossing it, breaking their trail into your home.
Lemon juice
The acidity in lemon juice disrupts the ants' ability to follow scent trails. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water and spray it near doors, windows, kitchen platforms, or wherever you spot them. For a stronger effect, use undiluted lemon juice directly around openings.
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Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon or cinnamon oil can repel ants and make your kitchen smell great too. Sprinkle powdered cinnamon along ant trails or dab cinnamon essential oil on entry points using a cotton swab. You can also boil cinnamon sticks and use the water as a natural spray.
Clove and laung oil
Clove has a powerful scent that confuses ants. You can keep whole cloves near sugar jars, behind appliances, or in pantry corners. A few drops of clove oil mixed with water make an effective spray to use around the kitchen.
Vinegar
White vinegar is a strong natural acid that masks scent trails and repels ants. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray on countertops, floors, near trash bins, and along ant trails. Repeat daily for lasting results.
Peppermint oil
Ants dislike strong-smelling oils like peppermint. Add 15–20 drops of peppermint essential oil to two cups of water and spray around doors, windows, and under sinks. This also leaves your home smelling fresh and clean.
Coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds can be scattered near the cracks or plant pots where ants enter. While it doesn't kill them, it acts as a natural repellent that forces them to relocate. Replace the grounds regularly for best effect.
Baking soda and powdered sugar
If you're facing a more stubborn infestation, mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar and place it in small lids or bowls near the trails. The sugar attracts the ants while baking soda affects their digestion.
Keep this away from kids and pets.
Cornmeal
Ants are attracted to cornmeal, but they can't digest it properly. Sprinkle cornmeal near their entry points or suspected nests. Over time, it can drive them away by interfering with their digestion and colony function.
Bay leaves (Tej Patta) for natural ant repellent
Bay leaves, commonly found in Indian kitchens, have a strong scent that ants dislike. Crush a few dried tej patta and sprinkle the pieces near kitchen corners, windows, or shelves where ants are active. You can also place whole leaves inside grain containers or behind appliances. The aromatic oils act as a natural deterrent, and unlike chemical repellents, they are safe around food.
Ants may have a role in nature, but they don't belong in your kitchen. With simple tools, common ingredients and everyday vigilance, you can keep your home clean, comfortable and ant-free—without ever calling an exterminator.
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