Experts reveal the best natural ant deterrents to help repel ants naturally at home – no harsh chemicals needed
As spring and summer arrive, temperatures begin to climb, prompting households to fling open windows and doors in a bid to let in a cooling breeze. Yet an airy home can also serve as an open invitation for a whole host of unwanted pests and creepy-crawlies to venture inside.
In their search for food and shelter, ants can become a persistent and frustrating nuisance throughout the warmer months. To help keep these pesky intruders at bay, experts in pest control, gardening and home care have shared some of their top deterrents — and the good news is that you won’t need any harsh chemicals.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, the specialists have revealed the everyday natural household items that anyone can use to keep ants well away from their homes. Here’s what you can do to deter ants from your home with these natural hacks.
Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys – Peppermint oil
“One of the most effective natural ways to deter ants is peppermint oil,” said Luke. “Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate, and strong smells like peppermint completely disrupt that, making it difficult for them to find their way back into your home.
“To use it effectively, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it along entry points such as windowsills, door frames and cracks where ants are getting in. Cotton pads soaked in the mixture can also be placed in problem areas for longer-lasting impact.
“What makes this such a great option is that it’s both preventative and non-toxic, so it’s a safer alternative to harsh chemical sprays, especially in homes with pets or children, while still being incredibly effective during peak ant season.”
Chris Bonnett, horticulturist and founder of GardeningExpress – Vinegar and lemon
Chris shared: “As the weather warms up, we can expect to see more bugs lurking around in our gardens and trying to get into our living spaces.
“While store-bought pest control products offer a quick and convenient way to get rid of these uninvited guests, natural remedies are just as effective at keeping those pesky bugs at bay.
“You can create your own homemade solutions with common household items. A simple mix of white vinegar and lemon juice works wonders against ants, flies and other unwanted guests and is very easy to make – just dilute the vinegar in water, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to any affected areas.
“Rubbing lemon peels on windowsills, doors and other entry points also helps deter insects because they don’t like the citrus scent. This can also disrupt their scent trails which ants and other bugs use to navigate.”
Adam Juson, founder of commercial pest control specialists Merlin Environmental – Charcoal
Adam said: “In search of food and shelter, ants can invade homes during the summer when they are most active. Clean up any spills and crumbs, and store food in the fridge or in airtight containers.
“If you have ants in your home, charcoal powder or crumbled BBQ bricks are ideal. Charcoal confuses ants and inhibits their ability to communicate with each other. Just sprinkle the powder where ants have been seen. If you don’t have any charcoal lying around, you can pick up a bag for £7.”
Geoff Clarkson, window fitting expert at Express Bi-Folding Doors – Used coffee grounds
Geoff explained: “Used coffee grounds are one of the most effective natural deterrents for keeping ants at bay, and the best part is that most households already have them. Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate, and the strong, acidic aroma of coffee grounds disrupts these trails, making it much harder for them to find their way inside.
“Rather than throwing them away, simply scatter used grounds in small bowls near windows, doors and any entry points you’ve noticed ants using, or spread them directly around your outdoor seating area to create a natural barrier. For the best results, refresh the grounds every few days as the scent fades over time, and after rainfall.
“It’s a completely free, eco-friendly hack that turns something you’d otherwise bin into a surprisingly powerful pest deterrent.”
James Roberts, qualified plumber and director of Sanctuary Bathrooms – Citrus peel
James said: “My favourite natural hack for deterring common bathroom critters like spiders and silverfish is the ‘zest and seal’ method: use lemon peel or citrus oil as a scent barrier, then remove the damp gaps and dark corners where pests like to hide. Citrus is a great repellent because of its strong aroma and unique chemical compounds which irritate insects and arachnids.
“The best trick is to twist or score the lemon peel first, so it releases more of the citrus oils, then rub the fresh side along windowsills, thresholds, skirting boards, and around any dry entry points, where pests are most likely to enter or hide. The scent fades, so reapply every couple of days.
“This should be treated as a short-term deterrent rather than a cure for an infestation, and it works best when combined with basic prevention, such as fixing leaks, cleaning drains regularly, and sealing visible gaps around windows, doors, vents and pipework. Lemon peel makes the room less inviting, but the most important thing in the long term is to get rid of the damp, dark spaces pests want to move into.”
