How to Get Rid of Small Ants & Prevent Infestations

Having a tiny ant infestation in your home or garden can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know how to get rid of them. Luckily, there are a ton of easy, at-home methods to kill and deter ants. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to get rid of and prevent tiny ants. Plus, learn when to call a pest control specialist, the different types of ants you may be dealing with, and answers to other common questions about tiny ants.

Ways to Get Rid of Tiny Ants

Use a commercial ant bait trap, Borax, or diatomaceous earth to effectively kill tiny ants. To repel ants, try natural deterrents like vinegar, essential oils, or coffee grounds. Seal any cracks and crevices around your home to prevent future infestations.

Section 1 of 5:

Getting Rid of Tiny Ants

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1
Use ant bait. Commercial ant bait traps are one of the most effective ways to get rid of tiny ants. The ants are attracted to the bait and secrete pheromones that encourage more ants to eat the bait, which is laced with insecticide. They will then take the bait back to their colony, which should eliminate the infestation relatively quickly.^{[1]
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- There are many different kinds of bait traps. For example, some are sugar-based, grease-based, and protein-based and are designed to target different types of ants. Consider getting one of each if you’re not sure which would work best.^{[2]
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- If the ants aren’t taking the bait, try using a different type or relocating the bait to a more active area.
- When using bait, all other food competition must be removed from the area, so remove any food products or trash.^{[3]
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- If you find specific entry points where small ants are coming into your home, focus your repellant and deterrent efforts on these areas.^{[4]
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  Research source} That way, you reduce the chances of the ants reentering your home through these avenues.
- Spraying an insecticide is another option, but these are often harmful for humans, animals, and sometimes the environment. It may not be the best idea, especially if the little ants are indoors.
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Poison ants with boric acid. Boric acid, or Borax, is a cleaning chemical that is poisonous to ants but non-toxic to humans. Make a Borax bait by mixing one part corn syrup (or any sweet, sticky substance) with one part Borax. Spread the mixture on an index card and place the card in an area with a lot of ant activity. The little ants will bring the sweet, poisonous mixture back to their colony, and it will slowly eliminate the ants.^{[5]
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- Consider setting this bait at night, as ants tend to hunt for food during the night hours.
- Alternatively, mix 1 part Borax with 3 parts powdered sugar and place the mixture in a small container (like a bottle cap, spoon, etc.).
- If you have children or pets who could get into the Borax, try mixing 1 cup (236 ml) of warm water, 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar, and 3 tbsp (100 g) of Borax. Soak cotton balls in the mixture and set them out in shallow dishes near known ant entry points.
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Pour boiling water on ant hills. If you are able to follow an ant trail back to a nest or anthill, consider pouring salty boiling water down the hill opening. This will likely cause part of the colony to cave in and will kill a large number of ants. It may take many containers of water, however, and could damage the surrounding vegetation.^{[6]
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- Because ant colonies are large and complex, this method likely won’t kill all of the ants. Be sure to treat every ant hole you see to eliminate as many as possible.
- Mixing dish soap with water and pouring it over the ant hills also works.
Distilled white vinegar is a cheap and effective way to kill and repel ants. Mix a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water and use it to clean hard surfaces where the tiny ants like to travel, like floors and countertops. If you see any ants, spray the mixture on them and wipe them up with a paper towel. The vinegar smell should fade relatively quickly for humans, but the ants will still be able to smell it and stay away.^{[7]
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Dehydrate the ants with diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a sharp, powdery substance made of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of plankton. It sticks to ants’ bodies and dries them out by absorbing the oils in their exoskeletons. While wearing gloves, simply follow the instructions on the diatomaceous earth’s package to sprinkle it on the small ants and eliminate them.^{[8]
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- Diatomaceous earth isn’t a poison, but it is an irritant. Avoid breathing it in or getting it on your skin.
- Diatomaceous earth also works well if ants are getting in your houseplants. Simply sprinkle a thin layer on top of the plant’s soil. Be careful not to get any on the plant itself, as it could dry out.^{[9]
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Use natural and essential oils to repel ants. If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of tiny ants, many oils have been found to deter them. In general, mix a few drops of an essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture around the windows and baseboards of your home, as well as any entry points you’ve noticed. Natural oils also work well to keep ants away from houseplants. Here are a few oils to try:^{[10]
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- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Cinnamon leaf essential oil
- Neem oil
- Some of these oils work best undiluted, so be sure to research how best to use the one you choose.
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Repel the ants with other natural ingredients. There are many natural foods, ingredients, and herbs that are notorious for keeping ants away. Try sprinkling these various ingredients around entryways, your garden area, or any other spaces where you have encountered tiny ants. Some common natural repellants include:^{[11]
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- Coffee grounds
- Cornmeal
- Lemons/lemon juice
- Cream of wheat
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Cloves
- Bay leaves
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
If you’ve noticed ants in your houseplants, try replacing the old soil with a new potting mix. This will remove any ant trails or nests that may be in the soil and discourage more ants from coming to the area. Dispose of the old soil in a sealed bag so any ants inside cannot come back.^{[12]
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Section 2 of 5:

Preventing Tiny Ant Infestations

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Seal crevices and cracks that act as entry points. Look for any cracks and crevices around your home, including in the walls, floorboards, and windows, as these are common areas through which small ants can enter a home. Caulk any cracks you find and seal other possible entrances, like ripped window screens. Consider putting some sort of deterrent (like Borax or cinnamon) in the cracks before sealing them completely.^{[13]
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- Latex caulks are not effective when trying to seal ant entryways because ants can break down these caulking treatments. Silicone caulks tend to be more durable and work better to keep ants out.
- If you see a trail of ants in your home, follow them to see where they are entering from.
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Eliminate ant trails with soapy water. Ants leave scented trails for other ants to follow, so it’s important to erase the scent as soon as possible.^{[14]
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Research source} Create a solution of dish soap and water, then use a sponge to wipe away the trail and the surrounding area. That way, the ants will no longer have a trail to follow each other into your home.
- Another option is to use vinegar. Simply spray white vinegar over areas with a lot of ant activity and wipe down any surfaces where you have seen tiny ants before.
- Mixing glass cleaner with dish soap in a spray bottle also works.
Any sitting food or dripping juices in your garbage will immediately attract ants into your house. Be sure to take your garbage out every day, and use strong, durable bags that are less likely to puncture and spill waste.^{[15]
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Keep your house clean. Because ants enter houses looking for food, it’s important to eliminate as many sources as possible by keeping your house clean. Ants love to feast on small food particles, so pay special attention to your kitchen. Wash your dishes regularly, and use bleach or vinegar to wipe down your sink, dishwasher, countertops, cabinets, refrigerator, and any other areas ants may frequent. Clean up any messes as soon as possible.^{[16]
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- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly, as well, as there may be food particles on the floor. Pay special attention to any areas where food is eaten and around your sink and/or dishwasher.
- Consider pouring a small amount of bleach or vinegar down the sink drain to help clear away any remaining food particles that could attract ants.
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Store food in airtight containers. The ants probably entered your house looking for food, so it’s important to make sure they can’t access it. Store any open food in airtight containers so it’s impossible for the ants to get in, and avoid leaving food out in the open. Consider keeping sticky foods like honey, molasses, and syrups in the refrigerator so they don’t spill and attract more insects.^{[17]
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- Consider keeping baking goods (sugar, flour, etc.) and cereals in airtight containers or bags.
Ants aren’t just looking for human food—they’ll eat pet food, too. Put your pet’s food away when you’re not using it and clean the area regularly to keep ants away. If your pet has a habit of hiding food, take a look around and dispose of anything you find.^{[18]
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Some ants tend to hide under debris, so if there’s a lot of vegetation or wood in your yard, they may get into your house or infest your yard or garden. Cut off any vines or vegetation that touches or leans toward your home’s exterior walls or windows, as the ants can crawl from the plants into your home. Pick up sticks and debris around your yard, as well, to discourage the ants from building colonies there.^{[19]
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Create a barrier around your house with coffee grounds or mint plants. Brewed coffee grounds have been known to deter ant activity, as they’re believed to hate the smell. Scatter coffee grounds around the foundation of your house, along the perimeter of your garden, and along any sites where you have noticed ant trails or a lot of ant activity.^{[20]
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Research source} Additionally, consider keeping mint or chili pepper plants around your house or garden, as these are known to keep intrusive ants at bay.^{[21]
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- Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your garden is another option.
- Commercial insecticides can also be used on the outside of your home, but bear in mind that insecticides are usually dangerous to humans, pets, and sometimes the environment.
Check around your house for any foundational wood pieces, shingles, or frames that might be starting to rot. Ants tend to nest in decaying wood, and they can enter your home through it. If you find any areas of decay, consider replacing those materials to better your chances of keeping ants out of your home.^{[22]
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Section 3 of 5:

When to Call a Professional

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Call a pest control specialist if you cannot get rid of the infestation. If you’ve already tried getting rid of the tiny ants on your own but they keep coming back, it may be time to hire a pest control specialist. They’ll be able to find the source of the infestation and put a stop to it.^{[23]
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- If you’re concerned about harsh chemicals, look for an exterminator who uses eco-friendly products. Ask what substances they use before hiring them, and let them know if you have children, pets, or other concerns.

Section 4 of 5:

Types of Tiny Ants

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There are many types of tiny ants that may infest your home. While all ants may look similar at first, many different species could have invaded your home or garden. Sometimes, identifying the type of ant you’re dealing with may help you find unique solutions to eliminate them quickly. Here are some common types of ants:
- Sugar ants: Sugar ants, or odorous ants, have a brown-orange body and a black head. They’re typically between 7-12 mm long.
- Ghost ants: Ghost ants are very small ants (typically 1.3-1.5 mm long) with a white/yellow body and a translucent tint.
- Big-headed ants: Big-headed ants, as the name suggests, have unusually large heads and reddish-brown bodies. They’re typically 4 mm long.
- White-footed ants: White-footed ants have black bodies with white feet. They’re approximately 3 mm long.
- Acrobat ants: Acrobat ants have yellowish-brown bodies and are 3.2 mm long. They raise their abdomen above their head when disturbed, hence the name.
- Pharaoh ants: Pharaoh ants have yellow/red bodies with black abdomens. They’re about 2 mm long.
- Pavement ants: Pavement ants have dark brown/black shiny bodies and are about 3 mm long.

Section 5 of 5:

Tiny Ant FAQs

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Ants come into your home for two main reasons: to find food to bring back to the colony and to seek shelter from cold weather conditions. Ants could enter your home from many different areas, so be sure to check around window cracks, door entryways, lighting fixtures, and other possible entrances.^{[24]
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Ants tend to frequent bathrooms and kitchens because these rooms provide a lot of food sources. In addition to eating actual food crumbs from the kitchen, ants are also attracted to things like toothpaste residue and dead skin cells in the bathroom. They’re also attracted to moisture, which is why they’re often found around sinks, showers, and drains.^{[25]
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If possible, find an ant trail and see if you can follow it back to an ant hill or colony. Otherwise, use a flashlight and check behind your refrigerator, stove, microwave, and inside your cabinets. Ants are often found in these spaces so you may be able to locate their entry point.
Some natural ways to get rid of ants permanently include using boric acid, diatomaceous earth, or pouring boiling water into ant hills. Other ways include using commercial ant bait traps or hiring a pest control specialist if you aren’t having luck on your own.^{[26]
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Seal any cracks or crevices to ensure more ants cannot get in your house. Clean up ant pheromone trails with soapy water, and use a bait trap or Borax to kill any remaining ants.^{[27]
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How Do You Get Rid Of Ants In The Kitchen?

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Help! What's the best way to get rid of ants?

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WikiLorisWatcher950

I’m going nuts here. Every morning I wake up and find dozens of ants wandering around in my kitchen and living room. It doesn’t seem to matte... Read More

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Ants follow waterlines very consistently. So, we'll often see ants in kitchens and bathrooms and they’re not always coming in through the windo... Read More

Elmer Bensinger
Pest Control Specialist

Sugar water won’t do anything to ants (besides make them happy). It’s the same with all of those “hacks.” Cinnamon is another popular one... Read More

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How do I get rid of ants permanently?

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

Pest Control Specialist, MMPC

Expert Answer

Pepper-based compounds can help deter ants, but it's still best to treat them at the nest. If you can find products that are piperonyl-based, which is basically a type of pepper, those can work as an irritant to the ant's exoskeleton. However, ants are very communicative, so if one or two ants come into contact with an irritating substance, they're going to use pheromones to mark off that area. Other ants who come to that area will just go around it. That's why the best approach is generally to remove their food and water sources and use a granular bait to treat the colony at the nest.

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Using bleach or white vinegar when cleaning kitchen surfaces helps to prevent against infestations of ants.

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Since many ants are nocturnal, consider setting traps at night.

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