With spring in the air and the air getting warmer with summer quickly approaching, we’re not the only ones that enjoy warm weather. This amazing outdoor weather also brings along its fair share of pests including ants. Hiring an exterminator is an option, but there are cheaper and much more natural options to get rid of ants all by yourself.

The first step to managing an ant problem is to simply keep them from getting in your home. Ants love all sorts of food and sugary things and they have a really good sense of smell. Don’t leave any food sitting on your counter, and any empty dishes be sure to rinse them out before you put them in the sink, trash, or recycle bin.

If you’ve kept your house clean and are still having an ant problem, try the natural remedies listed below.

1. Cinnamon – Ants don’t like the strong scent of cinnamon and will avoid places that are scented with it. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon essential oil with 1 cup of water and soak a cotton ball or cloth in the mixture. Wipe your countertop off with the soaked cloth or cotton ball and repeat once a day until the ants disappear. You can also leave cinnamon cloves near doors and windows to repel the little pests.

2. Vinegar – This is another smell that repels ants. Mix equal parts of distilled vinegar and water and put in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil and then spray around baseboards, countertops, and anywhere else you see ants.

3. Borax – This mixture will actually attract ants, but will kill them and their nest when they take the food back to their home and share it with everyone. Mix 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1 teaspoon of water together. Place the mixture in a plastic container with a lid, then poke holes in the container so ants can get in and out of it. They should disappear in no time.

For even more ideas, watch the video below to get more tricks for ridding your home and yard from ants. If you like these tips be sure to share this article with your friends.