How to get rid of ants in the house quickly

As the spring and summer months roll in with sunshine, longer days, and vibrant blossoming flowers, so too do the insects - from charming butterflies and beneficial bees to the less welcome invaders like ants.

Ants, notorious for travelling in groups, can quickly turn into a frustrating household nuisance. If you've spotted one, chances are there's a whole colony nearby. But fear not, if you're grappling with an ant invasion, we've got you covered.

In this blog, we'll walk you through a variety of effective tips to quickly rid your home of ants, all while prioritising pet-friendly methods.

Jump to:
1. Keep surfaces clear and clean to avoid attracting ants
2. Seal entry points to keep ants outside
3. Remove outdoor ant attractions
4. Opt for natural ant repellents for the house
5. Keep up regular maintenance to prevent future ant infestations
6. Professional pest control

1. Keep surfaces clear and clean to avoid attracting ants

First and foremost, start by assessing your surroundings and identifying any open containers or sugary liquids that may be attracting ants, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. Keep countertops clear and regularly wipe them down, and be mindful of leaving condiments or drinks out on tables or sideboards. Since ants are primarily drawn to food sources, it's crucial to promptly clean up spills and crumbs.
 
Additionally, it's wise to communicate this message to all members of your household, encouraging vigilance to prevent leaving empty packets or used plates around the house. By collectively staying on top of cleanliness, you can work towards effectively deterring ant infestations and maintaining a pest-free environment.

2. Seal entry points to keep ants outside

Another way to keep ants from entering your home in a pet-friendly, natural way is to check for cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, floors, and foundations where ants might have access to. Seal these entry points with filler, plaster, caulk or another appropriate sealant.

Filler and caulk can be bought for an affordable price at most DIY shops and is usually a fairly easy task that can also help prevent draughts. We have plenty more draught-proofing tips for your home.

3. Remove outdoor ant attractions

Ensure you’re keeping outdoor areas clean by removing sources of food and water, such as pet food bowls and standing water. 

It’s a good idea to trim back vegetation that may provide ants with easy access to your home, but make sure you are doing this safely, especially if it means climbing a ladder. 

If this gives you a taste for getting the garden sorted to enjoy better weather, take a look at our top tips for spring gardening success.

4. Opt for natural, pet-friendly ant repellents for the house and garden

Certain natural substances, including vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and peppermint oil, have a proven track record for repelling ants. Ants take a particular dislike to the strong citrus aroma of fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Consider spraying these deterrents around entry points and along ant trails as a natural ant repellent for the house and to discourage intrusions.
 
This natural method effectively deters ants without causing them harm, offering a sustainable and humane solution to your pest control needs. Although this is another natural way to deter ants, and it’s most likely to be a pet-friendly ant repellent, make sure you double-check that they won’t harm the particular type of pet you may have.

5. Keep up regular maintenance to prevent future ant infestations

Even after you've dealt with an ant infestation, it's essential to continue with preventative measures to keep them from returning. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and outdoor maintenance can help prevent future infestations. For tips on manageable tasks you can do to maintain your home that’ll get you ready for the warmer months, take a look at our spring maintenance checklist.

6. Professional pest control

Although many would rather use natural ant repellent around the house, if your infestation persists despite your efforts, you may want to consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can assess the situation and provide more potent treatments if necessary.