How To Repel Ants With A Citrus Peel They Can't Stand

Let's be honest, no one wants to see ants marching across their kitchen counter. Yes, there are ant repellents and sprays, and enough insecticides to fill up an entire aisle at your local home improvement store, but more often than not, they are full of chemicals and toxins you may not want in your home. If you would like an alternative, look to a fruit you may already have on hand: grapefruit. You can use the peel from your morning grapefruit to naturally repel ants. 

The secret to repelling ants naturally lies in a naturally occurring compound in the fruit, d-limonene. This naturally occurring compound overwhelms ants' sense of smell, causing them to lose their sense of direction. While d-limonene is present in lemons, limes, and oranges, grapefruit peel oil has been shown to contain more of it, making it a more effective choice to kick those ants to the curb.

The method for using grapefruit peels to repel ants is fairly simple — determine where the ants are coming in and place the peels in their path.  If you have an especially large infestation, it may also be worth squeezing grapefruit juice in the area to ensure the d-limonene makes a full impact.

If you'd rather not have grapefruit peels sitting out in your kitchen, or if you want to take preventive measures to keep ants away, you can use them to create a liquid spray with a few simple ingredients.  Fill a mason jar with grapefruit peels and fill it to the top with distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for two weeks, then strain. To make the ant deterrent, mix one part of your DIY grapefruit vinegar with one part water into a spray bottle, then spray where ants typically enter your home. Store in a cool, dry place and reapply every few weeks. Grapefruit is known to be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. So if you have pets, this method might not be the best choice for you.