An odd question we’re often asked is how smaller pests such as insects or spiders can be repelled by strong scents. After all, they have no noses. Many of these bugs actually smell through their feet, but that’s only part of the story.
Today, we’re going to focus on some scents that work as an effective repellent against ants. These critters have a very special relationship with their sense of smell, making odiferous offerings some of the best natural repellents out there.
Why Do Strong Smells Repel Ants?
You’ve doubtless heard at some point that ants lay scent trails for each other to follow, which is why they’re so organized. Fortunately for us, the trails are rather fragile.
Try running your finger across a trail and watch the ants get confused until they find the other side. You can even draw an ink circle around a line of ants and they’ll be unable to escape, eventually starving. Perhaps the pen really is stronger than the pesticide!
Leaving strong-smelling plants or oils around will overpower the weaker trail scent. Thus, ants will do their best to avoid those areas so they won’t get lost. That said, here are several great scents you can use to repel ants both indoors and outdoors.
See Also: Does Borax Actually Kill Ants?
Scents That Repel Ants
#1 – Black Pepper
You might have heard the children’s song about ants marching in line at a picnic only to make a wrong turn into some pepper. Oddly enough, this isn’t too farfetched an idea.
Black pepper is nothing to sneeze at, and adding it to water at a ratio of 1:10 can make a shockingly effective barrier when sprayed along potential entry points or around cabinets or other places ants might want to scavenge.
#2 – Cayenne Pepper
This popular spice has ascent that tickles the noses of many pests and can even (harmlessly) burn the feet of mice and other small critters. Sprinkling the powder over ant mounds will make these little gals reluctant to leave their home.
Even more fun, you can mix it with water for a spicy spray treatment. While cayenne will work well on any ant, there’s something especially satisfying about using it to scatter fire ants.
#3 – Cinnamon and Cloves
Both of these kitchen spices are effective against ants. Either sprinkle the powder near trails and mounds or mix with water for a spray treatment. Interestingly, cinnamon has been known to suffocate ants, so don’t be afraid to hit a moving column.
#4 – Chrysanthemum
These are excellent barrier plants and popular as cut flowers. When the flowers wilt, try steeping them in overnight to make an effective repellent stray and air freshener.
#5 – Citronella and Citrus
Pretty much any plant with a nice lemony smell can be used to repel ants and other pests. Lemongrass is great for the garden, as are lemon rinds from the kitchen. You can also add citrus oils to water to make a wonderful-smelling repellent spray.
Note that other citrus fruits such as oranges will also work, just not as effectively.
#6 – Coffee Grounds
One of the best things for your sanity, the importance of used coffee grounds is often overlooked. Place them (with the used filter) in your garden or compost for a neutral pH, nitrogen rich boost.
Alternatively, let them dry and sprinkle some where you’ve spotted ants. Just like the British, ants are peculiar critters that think leaf water taste better than a hot cup of joe and will avoid the area.
#7 – Lavender
Who doesn’t love the gentle, calming smell of lavender? Why ants, of course. Whether planting it in your garden or using essential oils, this is one flower that only a human could love.
You can take some dried lavender and leave small bundles in places ants are known to congregate. Alternatively, 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil mixed into eight ounces of water makes for a great air freshener that doubles as a natural insect repellent.
#8 – Peppermint Oil
The invigorating smell of mint may help wake us up, but it’s strong enough to nearly knock out tiny pests. Of all the mints, peppermint is the most popular, followed by spearmint. Simply add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil to eight ounces of water for an excellent repellent spray and air freshener.
Be sure to shake the bottle before each use. You may wish to apply it daily, even if there are no ants around. Just be warned that you shouldn’t use this or any other essential oils near cats.
#9 – Tea Tree Oil
While perfect for massage, this popular essential oil is no friend to bugs. You’ll only need 5-10 drops per two cups of water to make an effective repellent spray. Simply spray it wherever you’ve seen ant activity to keep them from coming back.
#10 – Thyme
This essential kitchen herb does an amazing job at repelling critters. There are three different ways to use it against pests as well. Growing it in your kitchen results in a pleasant smell you might not notice when growing it outdoors. That smell will warn ants to keep a wide berth if they want to avoid losing scent of their trails.
Meanwhile, you can sprinkle fresh or dried thyme in places you’ve noticed ant trails to confuse them. A third and more involved option is to steep some fresh thyme in boiling water to make tea. Let this tea cool and put it in a spray bottle for spot treatments or area misting.
#11 – Vinegar and Ammonia
Of these two opposing forces, vinegar is hands down the preferable one if you don’t want to burn your nostrils. It works great for any ant type including tiny sugar ants to large carpenter ants.
White vinegar is an excellent cleaning product. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a powerful surface cleaner that doubles as an effective repellent. You can even add some drops of lemon juice for a double-whammy that makes you crave a salad.
One important warning, however, is to avoid using apple cider vinegar. While this may repel ants, it can attract fruit floes and their relatives.
Morgan is a certified entomologist and pest control consultant and a member of the National Pest Management Association.
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