Keep Ants Out Of Your Home With A Relaxing Scent They Can't Stand

If there's one silver lining to the average household ant invasion, it's the vast array of easy methods you can use to fight it. Many of the most popular ant repellents today are eco-friendly and affordable all-natural products, supplying safe and stress-free solutions for a persistent seasonal issue. Add a delightful fragrance, and pest control almost becomes a pleasure to tackle. Take your pick from the many essential oils that deter ants from invading kitchen cabinets, choosing aromatic blends you and your family can't resist. Patchouli fans, in particular, can rejoice, as their favorite earthy, musky scent is also one of the best oils to manage these common nuisances.

Alongside its antimicrobial benefits, patchouli has proven insecticidal qualities against termites, flies, ticks, and other household pests. In a 2013 study published in Acta Tropica, researchers demonstrated its toxicity and repellency toward three types of urban ants. Some showed signs of poisoning, including intoxication, tremors, and paralysis, immediately after even low-dose exposures. Concentrations as low as 0.01% of patchouli oil appeared to repel the ants, offering hope for homeowners wanting non-hazardous, natural ways to get rid of ants without poisons. When diluted, patchouli oil is generally safe to use around people. Pets, particularly cats, could have some adverse reactions though. Depending on the remedy, you may need to take extra steps to keep your animals away from the treated area.

Patchouli makes an efficient repellent in a diluted spray, or you can use it full strength on cotton balls to strategically place around the home. Apply about five drops of patchouli oil to a collection of cotton balls. Place them anywhere you find an ant entry point, ensuring they're out of reach of children or pets. Change the cotton balls every few days to maintain a barrier and keep ants out of the home. You can also put some patchouli on a cotton pad and rub it into window sills, drawers, and other surfaces that ants frequent.

To make a spray, you only need to dilute a small amount of patchouli oil in water. Since the oil won't readily disperse in the water, you'll need alcohol as a solubilizer (some people use vodka!). Mix about 30 drops of the oil with ¼ cup of water and ¼ cup of alcohol in a spray bottle. You can also add other bug-repelling favorites, including peppermint, citrus, and tea tree essential oils. Shake the blend well, and spray it along any paths ants are following. Reapply it every day or so (or after cleaning), monitoring for changes in ant activity to see if it's working. Combine this with other effective ways to get rid of ants, and you'll quickly see how safe, straightforward, and convenient it can be to keep your home pest-free.