8 Real Fixes That Kept Ants Out of Our House for Good

Ants are small, but once they find a way in, they act like they own the place. We’ve had seasons where they showed up in the kitchen, the bathroom, even the kids’ bedrooms. It drove us nuts.

After some trial and error (and a few late-night raids with vinegar spray), we’ve figured out a system that works. Here’s what we do to keep them out—and keep our sanity.

We Seal Up the Entry Points

First thing we learned: if they’re getting in, there’s a way in. We walked the outside of the house and looked for cracks, gaps, or loose weather stripping. Ants don’t need much space.

We filled holes with caulk, patched gaps, and even replaced a few window seals. It’s not glamorous work, but if you don’t block the path, you’ll be fighting them forever.

We Wipe Down Surfaces Every Night

Ants don’t go where there’s no food. We got into the habit of wiping down counters, sweeping floors, and rinsing dishes every night before bed. Crumbs and sticky spots are basically ant magnets.

It takes 10 minutes, but it keeps the house a lot cleaner and removes their incentive to come snooping around. Even the tiniest leftover mess can bring a whole army inside.

We Use Vinegar Spray for Trails

When ants do sneak in, they leave behind scent trails so the others can follow. We mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down the areas they’ve been.

It kills the trail, not just the ants you see. We’ve sprayed baseboards, windowsills, and under sinks with good results. Bonus: vinegar’s cheap and safe around kids and pets.

We Set Bait, Not Just Traps

Killing the ants you see won’t fix the problem—you’ve got to get the colony. We use bait stations with slow-acting poison they carry back to the nest. It takes a day or two, but it knocks out the source.

We place the bait where we see activity but out of reach from the kids. It’s not instant, but it works way better than chasing stragglers with paper towels.

We Keep Pet Food Off the Floor

We used to leave the dog’s food dish on the floor all day. Turns out, ants love kibble. Now we feed at set times and put the dish up when he’s done eating.

We also keep pet food in sealed containers instead of open bags. That alone cut down on ant problems in the laundry room and pantry.

We Trim Back Bushes and Trees

Any branches or shrubs that touch the house become a highway for ants. We trimmed back anything that was touching the siding or roof, especially near windows and doors.

Keeping that gap around the house clear also helps with airflow and reduces moisture buildup, which can attract more than just ants. It’s a simple job that makes a big difference.

We Use Diatomaceous Earth Outside

We spread food-grade diatomaceous earth around the foundation, especially near doors, pipes, and known entry spots. It’s harmless to people and pets but deadly to ants.

They walk through it, and it dries them out. It’s not a chemical, but it works. We reapply after heavy rain and keep it off wet surfaces. It’s been a solid line of defense.

We Stay on Top of It Year-Round

Ants don’t just show up in summer. If you wait until you see them, you’re already behind. We stay consistent with cleaning, baiting, and checking problem areas all year.

It takes a little effort, but it’s easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. Once you figure out what works, it becomes part of the routine—just like feeding the animals or locking up the coop.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.