To kill ants in a house, several effective methods can be used, both natural and chemical-free:

• Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to ant trails, entry points, and nests. Vinegar disrupts their scent trails and deters them.

• Baking Soda and Sugar: Mixing baking soda with sugar attracts ants and then kills them by reacting with their digestive system. Place this mixture near ant trails.

• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth where ants are seen. It dehydrates and kills ants by damaging their exoskeletons safely for humans and pets.

• Soap and Water: A spray made from dish soap and water kills ants on contact by breaking down their exoskeletons.

• Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and clove essential oils repel ants because of their strong scents. Mix with water and spray around entry points.

• Borax and Sugar: Borax mixed with sugar attracts ants, which take it back to the nest and kill the colony. Careful use is needed around children and pets.

• Cleaning to Remove Food Sources and Pheromones: Remove any accessible food and clean areas thoroughly with vinegar or lemon juice sprays to dissolve ant trails and scents that attract more ants.

Additional deterrents include cinnamon, coffee grounds, cornmeal, black or red pepper, and chalk lines, which interfere with ant scent trails.

Combining these methods—removing attractants, disrupting trails, and using natural repellents and killers—is a practical, effective way to manage and kill ants inside the home.

If infestations persist, professional exterminators may be needed.