5 Practical Tips and Tricks on How To Get Rid of Sugar Ants

Sugar ants or odorous house ants are becoming a common problem for homeowners worldwide. It’s close to impossible to get an accurate count of the number of ants in the world. It won’t be surprising, though, if there are billions of them, and most of them seem to be in your home. 

While they don’t pose a direct threat to humans, their presence can be quite bothersome. You’ll specifically find their presence irritating once they take hold of your kitchen, especially in food storage areas. 

Ants often venture indoors to seek nourishment or a suitable place to establish their nests. Surprisingly, even minimal amounts of food residue, such as crumbs from pet food, can entice swarms of diligent ants into your living space.

Undoubtedly, ants stand among the most triumphant creatures on our planet, with a staggering diversity of over 13,000 known species. Thriving in almost every corner of the globe, they have managed to colonize various habitats. The only areas where you won’t probably see ants are Antarctica, the frigid realms of the high Arctic, and a select few isolated islands.

So how do you get rid of sugar ants? First, let’s discuss how you can detect their presence. 

Identifying the Presence of Sugar Ants

You can easily identify sugar ants by their attraction to sweet foods, hence their name. However, it’s important to note that “sugar ants” refers to a group of ant species. The most common is the odorous house ant. When crushed, these ants emit a coconut-like odor, which helps in their identification.

Other types of ants, such as acrobat ants and rover ants, are typically found outdoors. Pavement ants and carpenter ants, conversely, are predominant indoors. 

To identify banded sugar ants in your home, look for the places and foods they infest. They can be found in your kitchen, particularly on countertops and crevices where food particles accumulate. 

Watch out for ant trails leading to these areas, as they indicate the presence of an infestation. If you come across an ant that emits a coconut-like odor when crushed, chances are it’s an odorous house ant. 

Why Sugar Ants Invade Homes

Sugar ants invade homes for several reasons. The primary motivation is the search for food sources. You will often find them congregating around kitchen countertops when you follow their ant trail. They will most likely be where food crumbs and spills are present. They are attracted to sweet substances and exploit any opportunity to access them.

Ants leave a scent trail using pheromones, which helps them communicate with each other and navigate back to their nests. Once they find a food source, they leave a chemical trail for ants to follow. This explains why banded sugar ant infestations tend to concentrate in areas with abundant food sources.

Natural Ways To Eliminate Sugar Ants

Before using chemical pesticides or calling in an exterminator, it’s worth trying natural methods to eliminate sugar ants. Here are five effective natural remedies. 

1. Coffee grounds

The scent of coffee grounds repels sugar ants. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around entry points and areas where you’ve noticed ant activity. This tactic will deter them from entering your home. When using coffee grounds, remember that they may cause staining. Use them in areas where staining won’t be an issue.

Here’s how you can use coffee grounds as an ant-repellant: 

• Collect used coffee grounds from your coffee maker or filter.
• Sprinkle the coffee grounds around entryways where ants may enter your home, such as windowsills, doorways, or cracks.
• Target areas where you’ve noticed ant activity or along ant trails.
• Repeat this process regularly, especially after rain or when the coffee grounds have been disturbed.

2. Bay leaves

Using bay leaves to deter ants is a natural and effective method. For bay leaves, ensure they are dry and intact for optimal effectiveness.

Follow these steps to use bay leaves as an ant deterrent:

• Place bay leaves strategically: Position bay leaves near the entry points where ants may gain access to your home. These entry points could include windowsills, doorways, or cracks. You can also scatter bay leaves along ant trails or on ant nests for more targeted action.
• Replace bay leaves regularly: As the scent of bay leaves diminishes over time, it’s important to replace them periodically to maintain their effectiveness. Swap out the bay leaves every few days or when you notice a decrease in their aroma.
• Monitor and repeat: Keep an eye on ant activity in your home and observe whether the presence of bay leaves deters them. If necessary, adjust the placement of bay leaves or add more to areas where ants are still active.
• Crush bay leaves: For stronger potency, you can crush them slightly to release more of their scent. This method can be advantageous when your home has persistent ant colonies.
• Combine with other methods: While bay leaves can be effective on their own, combining their use with other natural ant-deterrents, such as coffee grounds or essential oils, may yield even better results.

3. Pepper

Pepper has a strong scent that repels ants. However, it’s still important to use the right type of pepper. For best results, using cayenne or black pepper does wonders. These peppers have strong scents that ants dislike. 

Like any other ant-deterrent, sprinkle a thin line of pepper near entry points. Focus on openings. You can do the same along ant trails or on their nests. 

Monitor the effectiveness of the pepper deterrent and reapply as necessary. If you notice ants returning or the pepper losing its scent, sprinkle fresh pepper to reinforce the deterrent effect.

Be cautious with large amounts of pepper. While pepper can repel ants, using excessive amounts may not be practical and can create a messy environment. Use a light sprinkling of pepper to avoid overdoing it.

4. Essential oils

Certain essential oils can effectively deter ant invasions. Here are some commonly used ones and ways you can use them for ant control:

Peppermint oil: Create a solution by combining 10 to 20 drops of peppermint oil with two cups of water. Ensure proper ventilation while spraying and avoid direct contact with the mixture to prevent any potential skin or eye irritation.

Lemon eucalyptus oil: Lemon eucalyptus oil, derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree, is a natural insect repellent that contains citronella, a common ingredient found in mosquito-repelling candles. While anecdotal evidence suggests the effectiveness of these ant sprays against ants, further scientific research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

To utilize lemon eucalyptus oil as an ant repellent, saturate cotton balls with undiluted lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Place these cotton balls in your home, where you typically observe ant activity. Monitor the effectiveness of the cotton balls and replace them with freshly saturated ones every week.

Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has insect-repelling properties and can be effective against sugar ants. In a spray bottle with two cups of water, add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together. If the tea tree oil’s scent is overpowering or you prefer a milder fragrance, combine it with peppermint oil and water. Adjust the proportions to your preference, ensuring the mixture remains diluted enough to be effective yet gentle on the senses.

When using essential oils for ant control, it’s important to dilute them properly in water before applying them. This helps to avoid any potential skin irritations or damage to surfaces. Additionally, always follow the instructions on the essential oil packaging and store them safely, out of reach of children and pets.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar, a commonly found household item, can be useful for deterring ants from your home. It is a natural and non-toxic option that exploits the ants’ sensitive sense of smell.

In the spray bottle, combine equal parts of white vinegar and water. For example, mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water. This dilution helps reduce the vinegar’s strength while maintaining its ant-repellent properties.

Exercise caution when using vinegar as an ant deterrent. While it is generally safe for humans and pets, some surfaces may be sensitive to vinegar. It is advisable to test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discoloration.

Chemical Sugar Ant Killer Guide

If the above methods prove ineffective or you’re dealing with a severe ant problem, you may consider using chemical sugar ant killers. However, it’s crucial to use these products safely and responsibly. Here are three commonly used chemical options.

1. Cornstarch

Cornstarch can be used as a natural ant killer. It works by suffocating the ants. Simply sprinkle cornstarch in areas where ants are present or along their trails. The ants will carry the cornstarch back to their nest, ultimately killing the entire colony.

2. Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and non-toxic substance widely recognized for its ability to eliminate ants and other crawling insects. It is composed of finely ground powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are ancient algae. 

Diatomaceous earth consists of microscopic, sharp-edged particles that are abrasive to the exoskeleton of insects, including ants. When ants come into contact with the powder, it adheres to their bodies and starts to damage their protective exoskeleton.

The abrasive nature of diatomaceous earth particles creates tiny cuts and scratches on the ants’ exoskeleton. This process initiates the loss of vital moisture from their bodies, leading to dehydration. Ants have a waxy outer layer that helps retain moisture. When diatomaceous earth damages this layer, it disrupts their ability to retain water.

As ants move through the diatomaceous earth powder, the cuts and scratches on their exoskeleton increase. This accelerates dehydration, eventually leading to desiccation and the drying out of their bodies. Without sufficient moisture, ants cannot survive, and they eventually die.

One of the advantages of using diatomaceous earth is that it is a natural and non-toxic substance. It does not contain harmful chemicals, making it a safer alternative to conventional insecticides. This mainly benefits households with children, pets, or individuals who prefer eco-friendly pest control methods.

3. Borax

Borax is a common ingredient in many commercial ant baits. Borax acts as a slow-acting poison that targets ants. When the ants consume borax bait, it disrupts their digestive system, leading to their demise. The slow-acting nature of Borax is crucial because it allows the ants to carry the poisoned bait back to their colonies before it takes effect.

Make the Borax bait more appealing to ants by mixing it with a sweet substance. The sweet scent of the bait attracts the ants, enticing them to consume it. Ants are naturally drawn to sugary foods, so combining Borax with a sweet substance increases the likelihood of them bringing the bait to their colonies.

Once the ants consume the borax-laced bait, they will transport it back to their nests. This activity is critical as it allows the poisoned bait to spread throughout the entire ant population, including the queen and other ants that may not have directly consumed it. As a result, the Borax effectively targets the entire ant colony, leading to its elimination.