Ant‑proof your kitchen: Natural ways to deter determined invaders

Ants are some of the most determined inhabitants of our homes. Thanks to their small size and ability to move along the tiniest cracks, effectively eliminating them is very difficult. What exactly attracts them to our kitchens, and how can we deal with them in harmony with nature?

Despite their innocent appearance, ants can cause chaos even in the cleanest kitchens. They infiltrate our homes through the tiniest cracks, forming organized colonies that drain our supplies. Eliminating ants from homes is difficult, as their nests are often well-hidden. One can find the source of their appearance by closely observing their movement trajectory. Once the centre of the ant nest is located, proven methods can be used to eliminate these troublesome insects.

Ants are particularly interested in food, hence their presence in kitchens. Open packages, food remnants, or unsecured food containers are attractive food sources for them. These insects enter homes through cracks in doors, windows, or pipes and fractures in walls or foundations.

If an ant nest is found near the house, for example, in the garden or yard, there is a high risk that ants will find their way inside the building. Sometimes, these insects infiltrate homes seeking shelter from unfavourable weather conditions, such as floods, droughts, or severe storms.

One of the simplest ways to eliminate ants from the house is to use cinnamon. It is enough to sprinkle this spice in places where ants have appeared. These insects cannot stand the smell of cinnamon, so they leave the areas where they detect it. This method also works in the garden—sprinkling ant nests with cinnamon deters ants. Additionally, the pungent smell of cinnamon also deters mosquitoes.

Another way to get rid of ants is vinegar, which effectively repels these insects. Simply mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture in places where ants frequently appear. Vinegar will erase the insects' scent trails and discourage them from following their established paths.