[Are you tired of seeing tiny sugar ants marching through your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor spaces? These small, persistent pests can be a nuisance. But don’t worry – there are several easy and effective methods to get rid of sugar ants. In this article, we’ll explore 22 simple ways to eliminate sugar ants using natural, chemical, and preventive techniques. This can help you get rid of these unwanted guests and hello to a pest-free home!

2. Habitat

Sugar ants typically nest outdoors in soil, under rocks, or in wood, but they can also make their way into homes in search of food and water. They often enter homes through small cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, or around windows and doors.

Once inside, sugar ants can nest in wall voids, insulation, and other hidden areas, making them difficult to locate and eliminate.

3. Diet

As their name suggests, sugar ants are drawn to sweet foods like sugar, honey, and fruit, but they also consume proteins and fats. In the wild, they feed on the honeydew produced by aphids and other insects, as well as dead insects and small seeds.

In homes, sugar ants are attracted to a wide variety of food sources, including spilled soda, overripe fruit, and even toothpaste.

4. Behavior

Sugar ants are social insects that live in colonies with a queen, workers, and males. The workers are responsible for foraging for food, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest.

When a worker ant finds a food source, it leaves a pheromone trail for other ants to follow, which is why you often see sugar ants marching in lines. Sugar ant colonies can grow quite large, with some containing up to 10,000 individuals.

5. Health Concerns

While sugar ants do not pose a direct health threat to humans, they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and other pathogens. In rare cases, sugar ants can also cause structural damage to homes by hollowing out wood for their nests.

Additionally, the presence of sugar ants can attract other pests, such as cockroaches and rodents, which can pose more serious health risks (Source).

Now that you have a better understanding of sugar ants, let’s explore the various methods for getting rid of them.

22 Methods to Get Rid of Sugar Ants at Home

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s explore the various ways you can get rid of sugar ants in your home.

Natural Methods for Getting Rid of Sugar Ants

If you prefer to avoid using chemical pesticides, there are several natural methods you can use to get rid of sugar ants:

1. Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution directly to the ants and their entry points. The vinegar will disrupt their pheromone trails and deter them from returning (Source).

You can also use this solution to clean surfaces where ants have been seen, as it will remove any remaining pheromone trails. For best results, use this method consistently until the ants are gone, and then continue to use it periodically to prevent future infestations.

2. Peppermint Essential Oil

Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the ants and their entry points.

The strong scent of peppermint will repel the ants and discourage them from coming back (Source). You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points and areas where ants have been seen.

Peppermint oil is safe for humans and pets, but it can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so use caution when applying it.

3. Cinnamon

Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The strong scent of cinnamon will disrupt their pheromone trails and deter them from entering your home (Source).

You can also create a cinnamon spray by mixing 1/4 cup of ground cinnamon with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle and applying it to the ants and their entry points.

Cinnamon is safe for humans and pets, but it can stain light-colored surfaces, so use caution when applying it.

4. Lemon Juice

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the ants and their entry points. The acidic nature of lemon juice will disrupt their pheromone trails and deter them from returning (Source).

You can also place lemon peels near entry points and areas where ants have been seen, as the strong scent will repel them. Lemon juice is safe for humans and pets, but it can be sticky and attract other pests if not cleaned up properly.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The abrasive nature of diatomaceous earth will damage the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die (Source).

Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as it is safe for humans and pets, unlike the pool-grade variety. Diatomaceous earth can be messy and may need to be reapplied after getting wet, but it is an effective and long-lasting solution for sugar ant infestations.

6. Borax and Sugar Bait

Mix equal parts borax and powdered sugar, and place the mixture in shallow dishes near the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them.

The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will carry the borax back to their colony, effectively poisoning the entire population (Source). Be cautious when using this method, as borax can be harmful to children and pets if ingested.

Place the bait stations in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets, and dispose of them properly when the infestation is under control.

7. Cayenne Pepper

You can sprinkle cayenne pepper around the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The strong, spicy scent of cayenne pepper will deter the ants and discourage them from entering your home (Source).

You can also mix cayenne pepper with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the ants and their entry points. Cayenne pepper is safe for humans and pets. But it can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so use caution when applying it.

8. Coffee Grounds

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The strong scent of coffee will disrupt their pheromone trails and deter them from entering your home (Source).

Coffee grounds are safe for humans and pets, and they can also be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. However, they can be messy and may need to be reapplied frequently to maintain their effectiveness.

9. Baking Soda and Sugar Bait

Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar, and place the mixture in shallow dishes near the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will consume the baking soda, which will disrupt their digestive system and kill them (Source). Baking soda is safe for humans and pets, but it can be messy and may need to be reapplied frequently to maintain its effectiveness.

Chemical Methods for Getting Rid of Sugar Ants

If natural methods aren’t effective, or if you have a severe sugar ant infestation, you may need to use chemical pesticides to get rid of them:

10. Ant Bait Stations

Place ant bait stations near the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The ants will carry the poisoned bait back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire population (Source).

Look for bait stations that contain boric acid, hydramethylnon, or fipronil, which are effective against sugar ants. Be sure to place the bait stations in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets. And dispose of them properly when the infestation is under control.

11. Liquid Ant Baits

Apply liquid ant baits near the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The ants will consume the poisoned bait and carry it back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire population (Source).

Look for liquid baits that contain borax, boric acid, or other effective active ingredients. Be sure to place the bait stations in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets, and dispose of them properly.

12. Insecticide Sprays

Apply insecticide sprays directly to the ants and their entry points. Look for sprays that contain ingredients like bifenthrin, deltamethrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin, which are effective against sugar ants (Source).

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and keep the spray away from children and pets. Insecticide sprays can be effective for quick knockdown of visible ants. However, they may not eliminate the entire colony, so they should be used in conjunction with other methods.

13. Boric Acid

Mix equal parts of boric acid and sugar, and place the mixture near the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The ants will consume the poisoned bait and carry it back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire population (Source).

Be cautious when using boric acid, as it can be harmful to children and pets if ingested. Place the bait stations in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets, and dispose of them properly.

14. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Powder

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth powder around the ants’ entry points and in areas where you’ve seen them. The abrasive nature of DE powder will damage the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die (Source).

DE powder is safe for humans and pets, but it can be messy and may need to be reapplied after getting wet. Use a duster or a fine-mesh sieve to apply the powder evenly, and wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles.

Preventive Methods for Keeping Sugar Ants Away

In addition to using natural and chemical methods to get rid of sugar ants, there are several preventive measures you can take to keep them from coming back:

15. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home’s exterior and interior for cracks, gaps, and holes that sugar ants could use to enter, and seal them with caulk or another appropriate material (Source).

Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, and utility lines, as these are common entry points for ants. Use weather stripping and door sweeps to seal gaps under doors, and repair any damaged screens on windows and vents.

16. Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly clean your kitchen, bathroom, and other areas where food and water are present. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and dispose of garbage to eliminate potential food sources for sugar ants (Source).

Be sure to clean up spills and crumbs immediately, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Use a sealed trash can with a tight-fitting lid, and take the trash out regularly to avoid attracting ants.

17. Store Food Properly

Keep food, especially sweet and sugary items, in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving food out on counters or in easily accessible areas (Source).

You can use sealed containers for pantry items like sugar, syrup, and honey, and store ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Wipe down sticky jars and bottles, and clean up any spills or drips immediately to avoid attracting ants.

18. Fix Leaks and Moisture Issues

Repair any leaks or moisture issues in your home, as sugar ants are attracted to damp areas. Fix leaky pipes, wipe up spills, and use a dehumidifier in humid areas (Source).

Pay special attention to areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and basement, where moisture is more likely to accumulate. Use a moisture meter to check for hidden moisture problems, and address them promptly to avoid attracting ants and other pests.

19. Maintain Your Yard

Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to discourage sugar ants from nesting near your home. Remove fallen fruit, trim back vegetation, and keep woodpiles and other potential nesting sites away from your home’s foundation (Source).

Regularly mow your lawn, and consider using ant-repelling plants like mint, lavender, and marigolds around your home’s perimeter. Keep trash cans and compost bins sealed and away from your home, and clean up any spills or debris promptly.

20. Use Ant-Repelling Plants

Plant ant-repelling herbs and flowers like mint, lavender, and marigolds around your home’s foundation and in outdoor areas where you’ve seen sugar ants.

The strong scents of these plants will deter ants from entering your home (Source). You can also place potted ant-repelling plants near entry points and in areas where ants have been seen. Crush the leaves of these plants to release their scent, or use essential oils to create a natural ant-repelling spray.

21. Keep Pet Food Sealed

Store pet food in airtight containers and avoid leaving it out for extended periods. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, and wash pet bowls regularly to avoid attracting sugar ants (Source).

Consider feeding your pets on a schedule and removing their bowls when they’re not eating to minimize the availability of food sources for ants.

22. Use Ant-Proof Barriers

Apply ant-proof barriers like petroleum jelly, double-sided tape, or chalk lines around potential entry points and areas where you’ve seen sugar ants. These barriers can help prevent ants from entering your home and can disrupt their pheromone trails (Source). Reapply these barriers regularly, especially after cleaning or when they become worn or damaged.

When to Seek Professional Pest Control?

If you have a severe sugar ant infestation or if the above methods aren’t effective, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They can assess your situation and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate sugar ants and prevent them from returning (Source).

Professional pest control services have access to more powerful and targeted treatments that may be necessary for severe infestations. They can also provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to help prevent future infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get rid of sugar ants?

The time it takes to get rid of sugar ants depends on the severity of the infestation and the methods used. Some DIY methods may take a few days to a week to show results, while professional treatments can eliminate sugar ants more quickly.

2. Can I use essential oils other than peppermint to repel sugar ants?

Yes, other essential oils that can help repel sugar ants include tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove oil. As with peppermint oil, mix a few drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where ants are present.

3. How often should I replace natural ant baits?

Natural ant baits, such as those made with borax or baking soda, should be replaced every few days or as needed. If the bait becomes dry or hardened, it will be less attractive to the ants and less effective at controlling their population.