How to Get Rid of Ants in the House

Ants might be small, but they can quickly become a big nuisance once they invade your home.

Whether they’re scouting your kitchen for crumbs or forming long lines through your living room, ants are persistent and difficult to get rid of without the right approach.

This article will guide you through effective strategies to eliminate ants from your house and keep them from coming back, plus recommend top-rated Amazon products to make the process easier.

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Why Ants Invade Your Home

Before tackling the problem, it’s helpful to understand why ants enter houses in the first place.

Typically, ants are drawn inside in search of food, water, and shelter.

Kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms are prime targets because of crumbs, moisture, and pet food.

1. Identify the Type of Ant

Different ants require different solutions. Some common household ants include:

  • Odorous House Ants: Attracted to sweets.
  • Carpenter Ants: Can damage wood structures.
  • Pharaoh Ants: Thrive in warm, humid areas and are hard to eliminate.

Knowing the type of ant helps determine the best treatment.

2. Eliminate the Source

Start by making your home less attractive to ants:

  • Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.

  • Store food in sealed containers.

  • Empty trash cans regularly.

  • Fix leaky pipes and eliminate moisture sources.

🛒 Recommended Product:

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Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers – Airtight and leak-proof containers perfect for sealing away pantry items.

3. Use Ant Baits

Ant baits are a smart solution because they attract ants, which then carry the poison back to the colony.

This method targets the root of the infestation.

🛒 Top Pick on Amazon:

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TERRO Liquid Ant Bait Stations – Easy to use, extremely effective, and kills the colony at its source.

Tip: Place baits along ant trails and near entry points for maximum effectiveness.

4. Spray for Instant Results

While baits work over time, sprays offer immediate relief. They’re best for spot-treating visible ants or nests outside.

🛒 Best Seller:

Raid Max Ant and Roach Spray

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Hot Shot Ant, Roach & Spider Killer

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Ultrasonic Pest Control Repeller

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Roach Traps Indoor

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Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray – Instantly kills ants on contact and provides residual protection.

⚠️ Caution: Use sprays carefully around pets and children.

5. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks and gaps where ants may be entering. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent future infestations.

🛒 Handy Tool:

Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal Silicone

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Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal – Great for indoor and outdoor use to block ant entry points.

6. Natural Remedies

Prefer a chemical-free approach? Natural repellents can help discourage ants from entering:

  • White Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray on ant trails.

  • Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle along baseboards and entryways.

  • Essential Oils: Peppermint and tea tree oils are known to repel ants.

🛒 Natural Option:

HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade

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HARRIS Bed Bug Traps

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Natures Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 5 lb

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HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth – Food-grade and safe for indoor use.

7. Outdoor Prevention

To prevent future indoor invasions, address ant nests outside your home.

🛒 Effective Outdoor Product:

Pestie Home Barrier Pest Control Kit

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GOOTOP Bug Zapper Outdoor

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Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

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Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer1

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Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawns – Covers a wide area and creates a protective barrier around your home.

8. Call a Professional (if needed)

If ants keep returning or you suspect a larger colony (like carpenter ants), consider hiring a pest control professional.

They can assess the problem and apply stronger, targeted treatments.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of ants in the house isn’t just about killing the ones you see—it’s about finding and eliminating the source.

With a combination of preventive cleaning, effective baits, and targeted sprays, you can reclaim your home from ants. Start with the basics, choose the right products, and stay vigilant.

Quick Recap: Top Amazon Picks to Get Rid of Ants

Product Purpose Link
TERRO Liquid Ant Baits Colony elimination Buy on Amazon
Raid Ant & Roach Killer Instant kill spray Buy on Amazon
Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers Food storage & prevention Buy on Amazon
Gorilla Waterproof Caulk Seal entry points Buy on Amazon
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth Natural deterrent Buy on Amazon
Ortho Home Defense for Lawns Outdoor protection Buy on Amazon

With these strategies and tools, you can say goodbye to pesky ants and enjoy a cleaner, ant-free home.

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