The Essential Oil You Can Use To Help Deter Ants Instead Of Lavender

Ants in the house are a common problem, especially in spring and summer, but some make their way inside during autumn as well, often gathering in kitchen areas like the sink or pantry. Though they're usually gone within several days, different species of ants appear at different times throughout the year and can be a nuisance. As a trained aromatherapist, I choose to use essential oils instead of pesticides to make non-toxic, natural insect repellents. Certain essential oils contain compounds that repel ants, and one that works really well for this purpose is pine essential oil.

The science behind how this works is fascinating. Many essential oils contain "volatile" plant compounds marked by fast vaporization rates and strong aromas. These scents can be effective deterrents against various pests including rodents and insects. Ants rely on their keen sense of smell to forage for food and communicate with their colonies. They also release pheromones (aromatic bodily secretions) to leave scent trails to help guide their movements. Disrupting these scent trails with certain volatile essential oils help deter ants as it confuses and ultimately repels them.

Using essential oils for pest deterrence usually means being diligent about using them consistently. Since the volatile plant compounds evaporate quickly, reapplying them is necessary to make this method work. Also, make sure kitchen areas are clean and free of crumbs or sticky food residue that may attract ants. The easiest way to utilize pine essential oil for ant deterrence is to make a simple spray and apply frequently during ant season.

Use a glass or plastic spray bottle with mister attachment. The basic formula is 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 pint (16 ounces) of water. I often add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, as it is also a good insect deterrent and helps to disperse the essential oil molecules (the vinegar smell dissipates quickly). Some folks use vodka or witch hazel for this purpose. If you don't like the smell of the pine on its own, you can add other oils to make a blend, like peppermint, lemon, sweet orange, or cedarwood. Bonus: cedarwood and peppermint help to deter pantry moths, too.

In addition to sprays, you can also use cotton balls with essential oil applied. Use small glass jars and place them in spots where ants gather. Add a layer of cotton balls and apply a few drops of pine essential oil. The cotton will absorb the essential oil and the aromas will remain within the open glass jar and slowly dissipate, helping to deter ants. Refresh the essential oil by adding a few drops every three or four days.