{"id":171433,"date":"2023-09-20T03:33:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T08:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/?p=171433"},"modified":"2024-04-28T03:11:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T08:11:11","slug":"7-smells-that-ants-absolutely-hate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/7-smells-that-ants-absolutely-hate\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Smells That Ants Absolutely Hate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are ants taking over your Texas home? Find out about seven smells that can keep them away in this article. Using everyday household items and essential oils such as vinegar, citrus, and peppermint oil, you can create a natural barrier against these little intruders. Give it a try and <a href=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/7-quick-tips-to-prevent-ants-from-taking-over-your-home\/\">reclaim your home<\/a> from these unwanted guests!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Household items like citrus fruits, black pepper, peppermint oil, cayenne, thyme, and lavender can create natural ant repellents. Great for avoiding pesticides or <a href=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/do-ant-traps-actually-work\/\">conventional ant traps<\/a>!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mixing parts of these substances with water in a bottle and spraying the solution around the house can keep ants at bay.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sprinkling them in raw form around entry points and ant traffic areas disrupts the ants&#8217; navigation and prevents them from infesting your home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Vinegar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/vinegar-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"vinegar and baking soda\" class=\"wp-image-176258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/vinegar-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/vinegar-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/vinegar-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/vinegar.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Vinegar is a staple in your pantry and a potent ant repellent. Ants hate the strong smell of vinegar, which disrupts their scent trails and deters them from crossing the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can create a simple DIY ant deterrent with equal parts water and white vinegar in a bottle. Spray this solution around the entry points and on the windowsills, countertops, and baseboards where ants are frequently seen. This natural method keeps your home ant-free and ensures a safe environment, free from the harmful effects of pesticides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Citrus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/citrus-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"lemon spray\" class=\"wp-image-176259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/citrus-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/citrus-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/citrus-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/citrus.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Citrus fruits are not just delicious and vitamin-rich; they also carry a scent that ants find utterly repulsive. The sharp smell of citrus peels, particularly orange and lemon juice, interferes with the pheromone trails ants use for navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use citrus as an ant deterrent, squeeze the juice out of a citrusy fruit and mix it with equal water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can shred the peels and scatter them around areas where ants frequent. Not only will this solution help get rid of ants, but it will also leave your home smelling fresh and citrusy. Just remember to replace the peels every few days for the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Black Pepper<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/black-pepper-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"black pepper\" class=\"wp-image-176260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/black-pepper-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/black-pepper-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/black-pepper-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/black-pepper.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Black pepper, often a staple ingredient in our kitchens, doubles as a powerful deterrent against ants. Its potent aroma can disrupt ants&#8217; scent trails despite its small size.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create an ant-repellent spray, mix 1 part black pepper to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution to any areas in your home where you&#8217;ve noticed an ant problem, such as entry points, windowsills, and baseboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a more effective deterrent, sprinkle raw black pepper around these areas. This method provides a natural and safe way of dealing with ant infestations without the need for harsh chemical pesticides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Peppermint Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Peppermint-Oil-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"peppermint essential oil\" class=\"wp-image-176261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Peppermint-Oil-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Peppermint-Oil-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Peppermint-Oil-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Peppermint-Oil.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Peppermint Oil is a soothing and refreshing aroma and a highly effective, natural deterrent against ants. The strong scent of peppermint oil disrupts ants&#8217; sense of smell, making it difficult for them to find food sources or follow their traditional scent trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add up to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a cup of water in a spray bottle to use peppermint oil as a repellent. Shake it up and spray the solution around the house, focusing mainly on ant entry points, windowsills, and countertops. This method is not only a natural way to keep your home ant-free, but it also leaves a pleasant and refreshing scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember to shake the bottle before each use to ensure the oil is well mixed with the water. For the best results, apply the peppermint oil solution daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Cayenne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Cayenne-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"pure cayenne powder\" class=\"wp-image-176262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Cayenne-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Cayenne-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Cayenne-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Cayenne.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This spicy ingredient is an excellent meal addition and a potent natural ant-repellent. The harsh smell of cayenne disrupts the scent trails ants leave for their fellow ants to follow. And it works amazingly on most <a href=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/types-of-ants-found-in-texas-and-how-they-impact-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">types of ants<\/a> you\u2019ll encounter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating an ant deterrent with cayenne is straightforward. Mix some cayenne pepper and water in a spray bottle. Spritz this solution around entry points and ant-traffic areas like window sills, countertops, and baseboards. This DIY natural repellent disrupts the ants&#8217; navigation and keeps them away from your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can sprinkle pure cayenne pepper on ant trails or around the anthills for a stronger solution. However, due to its intense spiciness, remember to handle cayenne pepper with care. Always wash your hands after using it, and make sure it doesn&#8217;t come in contact with your eyes or the eyes of your pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Thyme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thyme-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"thyme essential oil\" class=\"wp-image-176263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thyme-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thyme-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thyme-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Thyme.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This flavorful herb is also a powerful natural weapon against ants. Its potent aroma interferes with ants&#8217; pheromone trails, thus disrupting their ability to locate food sources or communicate with each other effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use fresh or dried varieties to create an ant-repellent with thyme. Sprinkle it around areas where you frequently see ants, such as on windowsills or along baseboards. Alternatively, you can make a thyme-infused spray by steeping thyme leaves in boiling water, allowing it to cool, and then transferring the mixture to a spray bottle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mist the solution around ant-prone areas for a safe, natural, and fragrant solution to your ant problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Lavender<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lavender-1024x597.webp\" alt=\"lavender essential oil spray\" class=\"wp-image-176264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lavender-1024x597.webp 1024w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lavender-300x175.webp 300w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lavender-768x448.webp 768w, https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lavender.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the refreshing scent it provides to your home, lavender offers a natural and effective solution to your ant problem. Ants find the intense fragrance of lavender repellent, making it an excellent deterrent against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two simple yet effective options to utilize lavender as a natural insect repellent. First, you can place dried lavender bunches where ants are common. The aroma from these bunches will create an ant-repellent barrier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, prepare a lavender spray by mixing 10 to 20 drops of lavender oil with a cup (8 oz) of water in a spray bottle. Spraying this solution along ant-prone areas will help keep the ants at bay and leave your home smelling wonderfully soothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to Call a Professional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If natural methods don&#8217;t work or the ant infestation is overwhelming, it may be time to call a professional <a href=\"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pest control<\/a> expert.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While natural solutions are suitable for minor infestations, pest control professionals offer comprehensive solutions that save time and reduce stress.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are ants taking over your Texas home? Find out about seven smells that can keep them away in this article. Using everyday household items and essential oils such as vinegar, citrus, and peppermint oil, you can create a natural barrier against these little intruders. Give it a try and reclaim your home from these unwanted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":171437,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171433"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=171433"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":176265,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171433\/revisions\/176265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/171437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=171433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=171433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=171433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}