Few pests are more frustrating—or persistent—than ants. Whether it’s a trail marching across your kitchen counter or anthills popping up in your yard, these tiny invaders can quickly become a big problem. If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants for good, it’s not just about killing what you see—it’s about eliminating the source and preventing their return.

From natural deterrents to targeted treatments, this guide breaks down proven strategies to help Missouri homeowners stop ant infestations at the source.

How to Get Rid of Ants Indoors: Fast and Safe Solutions

Indoor ant problems often start with a small scout trail—and can spiral into a full-blown infestation in days. Here’s some DIY strategies to stop ants in their tracks:

1. Identify the Source

Follow the trail to find where ants are entering. Common entry points include baseboards, window frames, and plumbing access points. Once you’ve traced their entry point, you’ll want to remove the lure—our post on What Is Attracting Ants Inside of My Home? details the most common food and moisture attractants.

Pro Tip:

Monitor for 24 hours. After you pinpoint the main trail, watch it through a full day/night cycle.
Keep a simple log.Note “time of day → ant activity” to reveal shifts in traffic patterns.
Strike early. Use your observations to target hidden satellite nests before they spread.

2. Clean With Vinegar

Ants leave behind invisible pheromone trails. Wipe surfaces with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to disrupt their navigation.

3. Use Natural Repellents

Lemon juice and peppermint oil are both natural ant deterrents.
Apply around doorways, windows, and baseboards.
Bonus: they smell great and are safe for kids and pets.

Pro Tip: Swap your spray scents on a strict 7-day schedule—e.g., peppermint one week, tea tree the next—to outsmart ants’ scent adaptation. Store 2–3 mini bottles by your sink or washer for instant touch-ups.

4. Set Bait Traps

If ants are still active, place slow-acting bait traps near high-traffic areas. Ants carry the poison back to the colony, helping eliminate the source.

How to Get Rid of Ants Outside Before They Enter Your Home

Outdoor control is just as important as indoor treatment. Stop ants before they get inside:

1. Treat the Perimeter

Use granular ant killers or professional-grade perimeter sprays around the foundation, walkways, and entry points.

2. Boiling Water for Anthills

Pour boiling water directly into visible anthills for a natural (but limited) solution.

3. Remove Yard Debris

Stacks of firewood, compost bins, and overgrown shrubs can attract ant colonies. Keep the area around your home tidy and dry.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Inspect for entry points along your home’s exterior. Use silicone caulk to seal up cracks in siding, bricks, and foundation gaps.

Pro Tip: At night, shine a flashlight along your foundation and window frames—ant eyes will reflect the beam and reveal even the tiniest cracks. When you caulk, use a flexible, weather-rated sealant so it moves with your home and won’t split open again

What Scents Keep Ants Away?

Want a chemical-free approach? These scents are proven ant deterrents:

Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus oil
Cinnamon
Citrus peels or sprays

Apply these to cotton balls or mix into a spray solution and use near problem areas.

How to Get Rid of Ants Without Chemicals

For families with children, pets, or chemical sensitivities, here are some gentle but effective methods:

Diatomaceous Earth

A natural powder that dehydrates ants (safe for indoor use).

Cornmeal or Baking Soda + Sugar Traps

DIY bait methods that disrupt digestion.

Soapy Water Spray

Mix dish soap and water to kill ants on contact and clean surfaces.

Prevent Ants from Coming Back

The best ant control plan is one that prevents reinfestation. Here’s how to ant-proof your home long-term:

Store food in airtight containers
Take out the trash daily
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
Fix leaky faucets or standing water
Keep pet food bowls clean
chedule seasonal pest inspections

DIY vs. Professional Ant Control: Which Is Better?

While DIY methods can knock back small trails, there’s no substitute for professional ant control when you’re dealing with a large colony or repeated reinfestations.. Ants can nest deep in walls, behind baseboards, or outdoors in hard-to-reach places.

At Amco Ranger, we offer:

Customized treatment plans based on the type of ant
Safe, family-friendly products
Year-round pest monitoring
Indoor and outdoor coverage for long-term control

Why Missouri Homes See So Many Ants

Missouri’s mix of humid summers and cool, wet springs creates perfect conditions for ant colonies to thrive. Common local species include:

Odorous house ants
Pavement ants
Carpenter ants
Little black ants

Each species requires a slightly different approach—one reason expert help makes all the difference.

Tired of ants taking over your home? Contact us for proven ant control solutions customized for Missouri homes.