10 Solutions to Get Rid of Sugar Ants Naturally

If you’ve noticed a sugar ant infestation in your home, you’re probably wondering, how do I get rid of sugar ants quickly and safely?

These small ants follow a scent trail to food, and once they establish a path, more ants from the ant colony will follow. The good news is that you don’t need to use harsh products to eliminate them.

Instead, you can rely on these home remedies to get rid of ants naturally.

Key Takeaways

Sugar ants can be a problem, but you can get rid of them naturally without using harsh chemicals.
Vinegar, essential oils, lemon juice, and bay leaves help remove scent trails and keep ants away from your home.
DIY traps with boric acid, baking soda, or diatomaceous earth can kill sugar ants and eliminate their colonies.
Sealing cracks, keeping your home clean, and calling a pest control company can help prevent future infestations.

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants Naturally from Your Home

Sugar ants can be a persistent nuisance, but you don’t need harsh treatments to get rid of them. While individual ants typically live for about two months, their colonies can survive for years if left unchecked.

Here are ten effective ways to keep sugar ant problems out of your home:

1. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful natural repellent that removes pheromones left by ants, disrupting their ability to follow ant trails.

To use it, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution directly on countertops, floors, and entry points like crevices and entryways. Repeat the process daily to keep ants from reestablishing their path.

2. Essential Oils

Peppermint oil and other essential oils work as strong repellents against types of ants, including odorous house ants and pavement ants.

Add 10-15 drops of peppermint oil to a cup of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it near entryways, windows, and any areas where you notice ant activity.

You can also soak cotton balls in oils and leave them in problem areas to deter ants.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder that kills ants by dehydrating them. It’s safe for homeowners and pets when used properly.

Lightly sprinkle DE near ant bait trails, along baseboards, and around entry points. Be sure to keep it dry, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.

4. Boric Acid and Sugar DIY Ant Bait

Boric acid is a common ingredient in ant traps because it acts as a slow-acting ant killer that eliminates the entire colony.

To create a DIY bait, mix ½ teaspoon of boric acid with 8 teaspoons of sugar and a little water to form a syrup. Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them near problematic areas.

Keep this bait away from children and pets to ensure safety.

5. Baking Soda and Sugar Trap

A simple DIY trap made from baking soda and sugar can help kill sugar ants and other ant species like black ants, fire ants, and carpenter ants.

To use this method, mix equal parts baking soda and sugar, then sprinkle the mixture in areas where you see sugar ants.

6. Lemon Juice

Just like white vinegar, lemon juice removes the scent trail that ants follow to locate food sources. Squeeze fresh lemon juice around entry points, including windows and doorways.

You can also mix lemon juice with water and spray it directly onto ant trails to keep ants away naturally.

7. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves naturally repel sugar ants and other pests, including cockroaches. Place whole bay leaves in airtight containers with dry food to prevent ants from getting inside.

For added protection, crush the leaves and sprinkle the powder around entryways and kitchen cabinets.

8. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are an effective natural repellent for ants and can also deter other pests like bed bugs and termites.

Studies have found that Coffea arabica extracts can kill some household ant species when mixed with bait, but at lower concentrations, coffee mainly works as a repellent. While coffee grounds alone may not eliminate these pests, they can still help keep them away.

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the perimeter of your home and near known entry points. Replace the grounds after rain or every few days for the best results.

9. Seal Entry Points with Caulk

Preventing ants from entering your home is one of the most effective ant control methods. Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and baseboards.

Also, check for gaps around pipes and wiring that ants could use as entry points, and seal those as well.

10. Regularly Clean Up Your Home

Cleaning up messes and keeping your kitchen free of crumbs will help prevent an ant infestation.

Make it a habit to wipe down countertops daily with vinegar or soapy water. Store food in airtight containers to remove food sources and take out the trash frequently. Also, cleaning up spills immediately can help keep them away.

When to Call a Pest Control Company

If your DIY methods aren’t solving your sugar ant infestation, it may be time to call a pest control service.

At Native Pest Management, our professional exterminators can identify the specific ant species, locate their nests, and provide targeted pest management treatments to eliminate the problem for good.