Ever wondered what smell makes carpenter ants take a U-turn? These tiny invaders, notorious for their destructive habits, can damage the wooden structures of a home.
Certain odors, like peppermint and tea tree oil, can be incredibly off-putting to these pests. Keep reading and discover how you can protect your home from these unwelcome guests.
Key Takeaways
- Certain smells, like vinegar, essential oils, and pantry items like cinnamon, can keep carpenter ants away.
- Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus are effective ant repellents when mixed with water and sprayed.
- Mixing different scents, like vinegar and lemon, can create a stronger ant barrier.
- Refreshing smell barriers often and watching for ant activity helps keep ant deterrents working.
- Pest control may be necessary if carpenter ants persist despite using smell-based repellents.
SMELLS THAT REPEL CARPENTER ANTS
Carpenter ants are particularly sensitive to certain strong odors. Below are some proven, easy-to-use remedies that help keep them out of your home.
White Vinegar
Carpenter ants have a strong aversion to the smell of vinegar. Due to its pungent odor, white vinegar is often used as a natural ant repellent. When sprayed directly along ant trails or problem areas, it disrupts their pheromone trails.
Mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle provides an easy way to apply this solution.
Essential Oils
Nature offers a range of powerful, aromatic solutions to keep carpenter ants at bay. With their intense and lingering scents, several essential oils effectively disrupt ant trails and deter entry.
- Peppermint Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Clove Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
Application Tip:
Each oil offers an intense, lasting aroma that ants avoid. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in water, then spray around entry points, ant trails, and common ant-problem areas. Reapply every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Spices and Pantry Items with Strong Scents
Surprisingly, many human food sources in pantry staples can get rid of carpenter ants due to their strong scent.
For an ant-free kitchen, here are some everyday ingredients that can repel ants effectively:
| Household Pantry Items | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Ground Cinnamon | Sprinkle around entry points and ant activity. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Lightly dust areas where ants tend to travel. |
| Black Pepper | Sprinkle near cracks, windows, or entry points. |
| Coffee Grounds | Place used grounds near entrances or garden areas. |
| Lemongrass | Place fresh or use oil near entry points. |
| Garlic Cloves | Crush and place in ant-prone areas for potency. |
| Cucumber Peels | Place fresh peels in frequently accessed spots. |
HOW TO USE THESE SMELLS TO KEEP CARPENTER ANTS OUT OF YOUR HOME
Carpenter ants are sensitive to concentrated smells, making smell barriers a simple yet effective method for repelling them.
To create a barrier, soak cotton balls with an available repellent solution. Place them strategically at entry points such as baseboards, windowsills, and countertops.
Combining scents can amplify the repellent effect.
For example, mix vinegar with lemon juice or use many essential oils in one solution. This multi-layered barrier disrupts scent trails of this ant species and deters their entry more effectively.
Remember that DIY methods aren’t always effective, and while we know that seeing signs of carpenter ants can be discouraging, our experts can help you determine how bad the infestation is and what your next steps should be.
IS IT TIME TO CALL PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL?
Oftentimes, home remedies aren’t enough of an effective method to tackle these problems. If these signs persist despite using repellents, it’s a significant issue. An infestation too large or hidden can be difficult to manage without help from pest control.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s exterminators tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about our services, visit our service page.