Not Vinegar Nor Baking Soda: Use This Bathroom Staple To Help Deter Ants

The last thing you want to see when taking your first sip of coffee in the morning is a line of ants marching one by one across your counter. On the surface, they just look like a nuisance, but in reality, that annoying-yet-innocuous line of ants could carry germs into your home or even damage its structure. You've decided that treatment is necessary, but unfortunately, store-bought ant baits are often full of hard-hitting chemicals that you also don't want in your home and DIY solutions like baking soda or vinegar can be hit or miss. Instead, try using a trusty bathroom staple, Vaseline, for a natural way to say goodbye to ants.

If you didn't know, now you know: Petroleum jelly can be used around the house in different ways, from removing water stains on furniture to keeping rust off your tools. When applied properly, it can also help to keep ants from crossing into your home. Why? Because ants struggle to crawl through its gelatinous texture.

It's important to note, however, that using Vaseline won't completely deter ants. In a 2017 study, researchers found that 85% of ants turned back when confronted with thick Vaseline barrier. It was the most effective natural deterrent they tested, even more so than cinnamon, a known popular DIY treatment.

So how do you use this ant-repelling method for the best results? Once you've found where they're coming in from (backtracking their trail is often the simplest way), apply a thick smear of petroleum jelly on the inside and outside of the crack. Since ants can crawl through the smallest gaps (even as small as ¹⁄₆₄ of an inch), this double-layer method is ideal. If you have the time, do a quick walk around your house and add a layer of Vaseline anywhere you spy ants climbing in.

How much to use? In the study mentioned above, researchers used ¼ inch wide and ½ inch high smear. On an academic forum, some users recommend creating a slightly wider barrier at ⅓ inch. It may take some trial and error, but you'll find the right amount to deter the insects from climbing in.

Anyone who's used Vaseline on their skin knows that it sinks in or wears off after a while, and the same is true of your home. Petroleum jelly's longevity depends on a few different factors — how warm it is in your house and the weather outside, for example — but it will not likely last more than a day. Instead, use this as a temporary measure to keep ants out of your home while you run to the hardware store for a silicone sealant for a more permanent solution.