Blog

Homemade Ant-Killing Spray With Essential Oils

Homemade Ant-Killing Spray With Essential Oils

Nobody wants ants in their home, but everyone deals with them at some point. The summer heat is essentially a giant invitation for ants to come inside the home. That doesn’t mean your home is filthy; rather, it just proves that ants have a willpower to survive. Typically, people use chemical ant treatments to get rid of these pests, but spraying them increases the presence of harmful pesticides and chemicals in the home. Fortunately, there is another way to get rid of ants. 

Before you reach for the natural alternative to chemical sprays and traps, you have to make the home unappealing to ants. Check kitchen cabinets and pantry shelves for crumbs or open food sources and seal them up if they aren’t infested. Keep the sink and food preparation areas clean and free of food scraps or waste. Check the baseboards, windows, and doors and seal them up with the appropriate caulk. Lastly, wash the insides of garbage bins or recycling containers and keep pet bowls free of food. 

Essential Oils Repel Ants

Believe it or not, essential oils help repel ants because they have powerful aromas. The strong fragrances are pungent and ants don’t like them because they interfere with pheromones that ants use for coordination. Essential oils basically mask pheromone trails, and that deters ants from entering the home. You cannot just use any essential oil, though. There are specific essential oils that are more effective than others. Some of the most effective ones are detailed below. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is high in menthol, which is beneficial for sore throats, headaches, and clogged nasal passageways. It is also an effective ant eliminator because they dislike the minty aroma. Some studies found that it also repels lice, mosquitos, fleas, moths, and spiders. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Mosquitos, spiders, and ants all hate citronella. The aroma confuses their navigation, making it impossible for ants to coordinate. Laboratory tests found that citronella essential oil effectively killed 50% of the ants within 30 minutes after they encountered it. Furthermore, it killed 100% of the ants after 24 hours. 

Clove Essential Oil

You have to be careful when using clove essential oil because too much can harm human senses. This is why you must properly dilute it before using it in the home. Similar to peppermint essential oil, clove essential oil interferes with pheromone trails that ants use to coordinate their movements. Several studies found that it is also effective at killing ants when sprayed on them.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is very similar to citronella, which is effective against mosquitos and ants. According to anecdotal reports, it also works to repel ants. It’s also included in various insect-repelling candles, which confirms its efficacy against ants. Apply this to an area that ants have infested and they’ll be out of there or dead within a day. 

Tea Tree Oil

Last, but certainly not least, is tea tree oil. Not only can tea tree oil eliminate the scent of ant trails and put a halt to infestations, but the oil can also kill ants when they encounter it. The combination of tea tree oil with peppermint essential oil suppresses scents and kills ants within 24 hours. 

DIY Ant-Killing Spray

Ingredients:

  • 6 drops each citronella, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint essential oils
  • Distilled water
  • 8-ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

  • Remove the nozzle from the spray bottle and add six drops of each essential oil to it. 
  • Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, screw on the top, and shake to combine.
  • Make sure that you shake the bottle before each use. You can spray this near windows, doors, or any place that you see ants. 
  • Spray as often as necessary. 

  • You may also like

    • Dherbs Full Body Cleanse as featured on Steve Harvey
    • Enter to Win $100 Gift Voucher

    Sales & Specials

    Blue Tight
    Blue Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Blue Tight

    Say hello to your new favorite pair of body-flattering leggings that give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Blue Sleeve Shirt V-neck

    Feel relaxed and at ease when you put on this lightweight, breathable shirt that is built for all-day comfort.
    Grey Hoodie
    Grey Hoodie
    -50%
    $19.97

    Grey Hoodie

    A stylish and comfortable athletic grey hoodie, perfect for layering, casual wear, or light workouts.
    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck
    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Heather Grey Shirt V-neck

    The heather grey V-neck T-shirt - a lightweight, breathable shirt which offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck
    -50%
    $9.97

    Black Sleeve Shirt V-neck

    Feel relaxed and at ease when you put on this lightweight, breathable shirt that is built for all-day comfort.
    Black Tight
    Black Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Black Tight

    Dherbs' black activewear leggings give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Black Hoodie
    Black Hoodie
    -50%
    $19.97

    Black Hoodie

    Stay stylish and comfortable with this black crop top hoodie, a versatile and lightweight cropped athletic hoodie designed for casual wear and active lifestyles.
    Heather Grey Tight
    Heather Grey Tight
    -50%
    $17.97

    Heather Grey Tight

    The heather grey leggings offer a comfortable, form-fitting design perfect for both activewear and casual outfits. Body-flattering leggings that give you a smooth silhouette and allow for full range of motion.
    Refer A Friend give 15%
    get $20
    Advisor