What to Use If You Don't Have Ant Spray

Using an ant spray is not the only way to deal with ants. You can also use nontoxic alternatives. While some of these methods will help control the pests, others may not work as well.

Essential oils, such as clove and peppermint, are powerful and can be effective for ants. Mix a few drops of these oils with water to make a spray and spray it around your home. This will help repel ants and destroy their scent trails. However, it is best to avoid using these oils in areas you will not be able to clean later.

Another effective ant repellent is lemon juice. You can spray lemon juice on the floor and ants will be unable to scent trails. Alternatively, you can use it in a spray bottle and spray it around door frames and window sills.

Another ant repellent is baking soda and powdered sugar. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of this mix around the door thresholds and on the window sills.

Diatomaceous earth is another ant repellent. It is a natural substance that is commonly used by farmers to kill insects in grain storage. Diatomaceous earth is not toxic to humans and mammals, but it is lethal to ants and other insects. Diatomaceous earth can be purchased from most home improvement stores and on Amazon.

There are other methods you can use to keep ants away, such as using borax. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. However, borax can be toxic to humans and animals in high doses. In addition, borax can be hazardous to your eyes and skin.