One thing I’ve learned from a couple decades living in the country (I moved from city-life when I was 27) is that co-existing with wildlife is all about balance. There is no all-me or all-them. All wildlife has essential contributions, and I do my best to live harmoniously in the network of living things. Even when it comes to ants. They are valuable cleaner-uppers, returning many formerly living things to their reusable components, they aerate soil, they control other pest populations by eating eggs, and they serve as food to larger beings.
But I don’t want them in my house.
Table of contents:
- How to use a soap spray on ants in your home
- Simple ways to prevent ants in your home
- Living in harmony
There’s no opportunity for ants to do their good work inside, so instead, they’re more likely to bite, contaminate food, and grow into a large infestation. The only plus I can really say about the idea of ants in my house is that they really encourage me to clean up and leave surfaces and floors free of crumbs and food residues.
The kitchen and bathroom countertops in my house are such that the ants really blend in. Until there are a lot of them. Then, suddenly I realize my entire countertop is moving.
One day, I grilled some super yummy burgers and had them sitting on a plate on the counter. At least we each got one serving out of them, because by the time we came back for seconds, the ants had already gotten their fair share. Plus, I once found two crawling on my daughter when she was a baby in her crib. Trust me. That was not a good scene.
The only plus I can say for ants in the house, is that they really encourage me to keep my kitchen clean and free of crumbs.
However, I knew I didn’t want to use a product that would leave any fumes in the air or residues on surfaces. Really that would be exchanging one problem for another. So, when I found a few ant scouts in my kitchen the other day, I grabbed my bottle of GIY Castile Magic Soap All-Purpose Spray, which is never far off, and doused them. While I knew they’d clean away the surfaces, I’ve since learned that as a surfactant, the soap in the spray lowers the water’s surface tension ultimately eliminating the ants.
In addition, soaps and detergents clean away the pheromones ants use to communicate and navigate. There are several types of ant pheromones, but the two relevant to a household invasion are the trail pheromones – used to create a scent highway to direct fellow ants to a food source, and alarm pheromones excreted when an ant is threatened or crushed. Alarm pheromones reaches ants nearby who will then swarm the source of danger. Cleaning aways these secretions confuses and discourages the colony from following the same route.
Take note, though, that while a soap cleans away a scent trail, it doesn’t have residual benefits in the way a chemical poison might.
So, no nasty chemical or poisonous fumes. No scary residue left behind on food surfaces. No extra expense for additional products. And most importantly, no more ants.
How to use a soap spray on ants in your home
In a spray bottle, mix 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) of your favorite Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic Soap and 2 c. (500 mL) of water. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth, ensuring any ants and debris have been cleaned off.
Do not use this concentration on plants, as it will burn them. For a spray that can be used on ants in the garden, use this dilution instead.
Simple ways to prevent ants in your home
Of course, as the famous proverb goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you can prevent ants from entering the house, that’s the best way forward for all concerned.
- Remove food sources by wiping down countertops with the All-Purpose Spray to remove crumbs, spills, and such that might attract ants.
- Keep food stored in airtight containers to keep ants – and other pests! – out.
- Seal up cracks and crevices where ants could get inside.
- Repair or replace torn screens on windows and doors.
- Remove water sources. Ants actively seek out standing water so check and repair leaky faucets and pipes and remove any standing or stagnant water.
- Clear away leaves and other debris from the immediate exterior of your home.
If ants have found their way into your home, clean surfaces thoroughly with the All-Purpose Spray.
Living in harmony
Looking back on my ants-and-me journey, I have much to be grateful for. I very much appreciate the incentive they gave me to adopt better habits of doing dishes promptly, not bringing food to all corners of the house, and keeping surfaces wiped clean. My house is far better for it, as are those of us who live in it. I am so glad to live in a tidier space, and I don’t know if that would have happened if I hadn’t been motivated by the ants.
Further reading
Just give me one week programme of ant treatment. There is big line on my garden wall & ant problem is not new.
I really fed up by these ants in whole garden & i want to come out this problem of ants.
Why i am writing this because to day o am spraying castille ( your make) soap in okra & egg plants. Just i ciecle soap liquid around ant & watch. She trying to ho out but can’t.
I thoughy this will work & i am asking for treatment.
Hi Chetan – I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier. While the Castile soap will clear up a line of ants or ants on a surface, it will not help a systemic infestation. Consider looking into companion planting to repel ants and other unwanted pests.
Can I use the unscented for palnts, and ants? Or does it need to be peppermint? Or could I just add my one EO if needed?
Hi Aubrey- For ants specifically, I’ve found the Tea Tree oil to be helpful in eliminating their scent trails, but if you don’t have that scent, it’s worth trying a different scent – or yes, adding your own EOs if you’d like. The dilution for spraying plant is more diluted at 1 Tbsp. Castile Soap in a quart of water (vs. 1/4 c. soap in this ant spray recipe).
How i stop gant on indoor plant
Hi Kellie- An insecticidal soap spray made with 1 Tbsp Castile Soap in a quart of water will work against fungus gnats, but it does have to come into contact with them when wet. The challenge is, they are so quick to fly away at the slightest disturbance. Another reader shared that for larger plants she used a stone topdressing and for smaller plants, she had success sprinkling cinnamon on top of the potting mix. I have not tried either of these though. If you give it a go, let me know how it worked out.
Question does this work for roaches I live in the south
Hi Karen – Living in SoCal, I do not have experience with roach elemination, but I believe they are too large for this spray to work against them, though the tips on prevention would still be valid.
Other readers with roach experience, what low-tox methods have you found to work?
I noticed these have essential oils in them. Please be careful as some like Tea Tree Oil are poisonous to cats
Hi Meg – Thank you for the reminder. I agree that if the spray might come into contact with cats, it is best to use the Unscented Soap. It will still be effective in eliminating the ants.