How to Get Rid of Ants: An Ultimate Guide

August 15, 2024

Ants can be a persistent nuisance in your home, yard and commercial space. At Excel Pest Services, we understand the frustration of dealing with these tiny invaders. With our extensive experience in ant control, we are here to guide you through effective methods to eliminate ants and prevent future infestations.

This ultimate guide provides you with comprehensive strategies on how to get rid of ants using preventative measures and natural repellents.

Keep Your Home Clean

Cleanliness is the first line of defense against ants because ants are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and other residues that may be present in your home. With this in mind, maintaining a clean living environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of an ant infestation and this consists of:

  1. Wiping Surfaces Regularly: Clean countertops, tables, and floors to remove food particles.
  2. Storing Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and store them in cabinets or the refrigerator.
  3. Taking Out the Trash: Dispose of garbage regularly and use bins with tightly sealed lids.
  4. Cleaning Pet Food Areas: Ensure pet food dishes are clean and free of leftovers.

Fix Wet Areas and Rotting Wood

Ants, especially carpenter ants, are attracted to moist environments and rotting wood therefore addressing moisture issues in your home can help prevent ant infestations. Make sure to do the following:

  1. Repair Leaks: Fix any leaks in pipes, faucets, and roofs promptly.
  2. Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements to reduce humidity levels.
  3. Replace Rotting Wood: Inspect and replace any rotting wood in your home’s structure.

Skip the Spray

Chemical sprays may seem like a quick fix for ant problems, but they often provide only temporary relief and can be harmful to humans and pets. Instead of this approach, focus on more sustainable and less toxic methods of ant control. Let’s take a look:

Go for Natural Solutions: Use natural repellents and methods to deter ants which we take a closer look at below.

Natural Ant Repellent

Natural repellents can effectively deter ants without the use of harmful chemicals. Here are eight natural repellents you can use:

  1. Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to ant trails and entry points.
  2. Lemon Juice: Spray lemon juice in areas where ants are entering your home.
  3. Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place cinnamon sticks near ant entry points.
  4. Peppermint Oil: Dilute peppermint oil with water and spray it around your home to repel ants.
  5. Borax and Sugar: Mix borax with sugar to create a bait that ants will carry back to their colony.
  6. Diatomaceous Earth: Spread food-grade diatomaceous earth around your home’s perimeter and in problem areas.
  7. Chalk: Draw a line of chalk around entry points to keep ants at bay.
  8. Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper near ant entry points and along their trails.

ant hunting

Improve Your Outdoor Area

Your yard is a breeding ground for ants and maintaining your outdoor space can help deter ants from entering your home. Here are some steps you can take to keep the ants away:

  1. Trim Vegetation: Keep plants and trees trimmed away from your home’s exterior to reduce ant pathways.
  2. Remove Debris: Clear away leaves, wood piles, and other debris where ants may nest.
  3. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect and seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors to prevent ants from entering.

Ant Services in Florida and New Jersey

Excel Pest Services provides comprehensive ant control services tailored to the needs of property managers and homeowners in Florida and New Jersey. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to using eco-friendly and effective methods to eliminate ant infestations and prevent them from recurring.

How Excel Pest Services Can Help You

  • Thorough Inspections: At Excel Pest Services, we believe that a thorough inspection is the first step towards effective ant control. Our trained technicians conduct detailed inspections of your property to identify the source and extent of the ant infestation. This comprehensive approach ensures that we address the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Every ant infestation is unique, and so is our approach to treating it. Our experts develop customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and the specific type of ants infesting your property. By understanding the unique behaviors and habitats of different ant species, we can create a targeted strategy that effectively eliminates the infestation.
  • Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize the safety of your home and the environment. Our ant control methods utilize environmentally safe products that are effective against ants but gentle on your family and pets. We are committed to sustainable pest control practices that do not compromise the health of your household or the planet.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Preventing future infestations is just as important as eliminating current ones. Excel Pest Services provides regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure long-term ant control. Our ongoing maintenance services include follow-up inspections and treatments as needed to keep your property ant-free.

Contact Excel Pest Services today to schedule a professional ant control service and protect your home from unwanted pests. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the highest level of service and ensure your home or commercial space remains safe, clean, and free from ants.

How to Get Rid of Ants FAQ


How to get rid of ants in the house?

To get rid of ants in your house, maintain cleanliness by wiping surfaces, storing food properly, and disposing of garbage regularly. Use natural repellents like vinegar, lemon juice, and peppermint oil. Place ant traps near entry points and monitor them regularly.

How to get rid of ants in the kitchen?

To eliminate ants in the kitchen, keep countertops and floors clean, store food in airtight containers, and fix any leaks or moisture issues. Use natural repellents such as cinnamon and borax-sugar mixtures around the kitchen area.

How to get rid of ants in the yard?

To remove ants from your yard, trim vegetation away from your home, clear debris, and seal any cracks in the exterior. Use diatomaceous earth and cayenne pepper to create a barrier around your yard.

How to get rid of ants in the bathroom?

To address ants in the bathroom, fix leaks, ensure proper ventilation, and keep surfaces dry. Use vinegar and lemon juice to clean bathroom surfaces and deter ants.

How to get rid of ants in the bedroom?

To get ants out of your bedroom, keep it clean and free of food crumbs. Use natural repellents like peppermint oil and chalk around entry points. Place ant traps if necessary.

How to get rid of ants in the car?

How to get ants out of your car involves keeping your car clean and free of food residues. Vacuum regularly and use natural repellents like vinegar and lemon juice to wipe surfaces. Place ant traps under seats and in the trunk to control the infestation.


By following these tips and utilizing Excel Pest Services’ professional solutions, you can effectively eliminate ants from your home, yard, and car, ensuring a pest-free environment.