If you’re looking for a safe and natural way to keep ants out of your home and garden, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about what herbs repel ants and how you can use them effectively. These plants offer a chemical-free solution that’s kind to pets, children, and the environment, all while adding beauty and flavor to your space.
Ants are incredible creatures in the ecosystem, but when they march into our kitchens or make hills in our lawns, they become a nuisance. Instead of reaching for harsh sprays, turning to herbs is a smart choice. Many aromatic herbs contain essential oils and compounds that ants find highly disagreeable. By strategically planting or placing these herbs, you can create natural barriers that deter ants without harm.
What Herbs Repel Ants
This list covers the most effective herbs for keeping ants at bay. You might already be growing some of them for cooking, which makes them a double-duty plant.
Mint (Peppermint & Spearmint)
This is one of the most potent ant-repelling herbs. The strong scent of menthol overwhelms ants’ sensitive smell, disrupting their ability to follow scent trails.
* How to use: Plant mint around doorways, patios, or in garden beds. Be careful—mint is invasive. It’s often best grown in pots to contain its spread. You can also crush fresh leaves to release more scent or make a simple spray from steeped leaves.
Lavender
Loved by humans for its calming scent, lavender is disliked by ants, as well as moths and flies. Its pretty purple flowers are a bonus.
* How to use: Dry bundles of lavender and place them in cupboards or drawers. You can plant it near entry points or use a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Rosemary
This woody, fragrant herb is a great garden defender. Its strong pine-like aroma masks the pheromone trails ants use to communicate.
* How to use: Plant rosemary as a border along garden paths or near the foundation of your home. Sprinkle dried rosemary leaves in areas where ants are a problem, like near pet food bowls.
Tansy
A less common herb, tansy is a powerful insect repellent. It contains volatile oils that are particularly effective against ants and flies.
* How to use: Plant tansy near doorways or garden gates. You can hang dried tansy in bunches in the garage or shed. Note: Tansy can be toxic if ingested in large quantities, so use with caution around pets and livestock.
Catnip
While it drives cats wild, it sends ants in the opposite direction. The active component, nepetalactone, is a effective natural deterrent.
* How to use: Plant catnip around the perimeter of your garden. You can also sprinkle dried catnip in areas where ants enter. Be prepared for neighborhood cats to visit!
Thyme (especially Lemon Thyme)
Thyme’s strong, earthy scent is another good disruptor of ant trails. Lemon thyme has a citrus note that ants also avoid.
* How to use: Plant creeping thyme between patio stones or in cracks where ants might travel. Bruise the leaves occasionally to refresh the scent.
Sage
Burning sage is known for cleansing spaces, but simply growing it can help clear out ants. Its robust aroma is unappealing to them.
* How to use: Plant sage in your herb garden or near outdoor seating areas. You can dry sage leaves and make small sachets for your pantry.
Garlic
While technically a bulb, garlic is a culinary herb with serious pest-repelling power. The strong sulfur compounds are excellent at deterring ants.
* How to use: Plant garlic amongst your flowers or vegetables to protect them. Create a spray by soaking crushed garlic cloves in water overnight, then straining and spraying the liquid around entry points.
How to Use Herbs as Ant Deterrents
Knowing which herbs to use is half the battle. The other half is applying them correctly. Here are the most effective methods.
1. Strategic Planting
This is the most hands-off, long-term approach. Think of your herb plants as a living barrier.
* Garden Borders: Plant mint, lavender, or tansy around the edge of your garden to protect plants from aphid-farming ants.
* Entry Point Guards: Place potted rosemary, sage, or mint near doors, windows, and crawl space vents.
* Path Disruptors: Use low-growing herbs like thyme or oregano between paving stones or along fence lines where ants commonly travel.
2. Creating Herb Sprays
A spray is perfect for treating existing trails or hard-to-plant areas.
1. Chop or crush one cup of fresh herb leaves (mint and lavender work very well).
2. Pour two cups of boiling water over the herbs and let it steep until cool.
3. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Add a teaspoon of mild dish soap to help the solution stick to surfaces.
5. Spray directly on ant trails, around windowsills, and along baseboards. Reapply every few days or after rain if used outdoors.
3. Using Dried Herbs and Sachets
This method is ideal for indoor use in cabinets, pantries, and drawers.
* Dry your herbs by hanging bunches upside down in a cool, dark place.
* Once crumbly, place the dried leaves in small muslin bags or even old socks.
* Tuck these sachets wherever you store food or have seen ant activity. The scent will last for several weeks.
4. Sprinkling and Crushing
Sometimes the simplest methods are the best.
* Sprinkle dried and crushed rosemary, mint, or catnip across ant trails and around their entry hole.
* Regularly crush or brush against the leaves of your planted herbs to release their oils and renew their scent barrier. This is a easy habit to get into when your watering.
Important Tips for Success
Using herbs effectively requires a bit of strategy. Keep these points in mind for the best results.
* Find the Source First. Before setting up deterrents, try to locate where the ants are coming from. Herbs work best as a barrier, but you need to know where to place that barrier. Look for their trails, especially in the early morning.
* Clean Thoroughly. Herbs repel ants, but they won’t overcome a strong food attractant. Always clean up spills, seal food in containers, and take out the garbage regularly. This removes the reason ants are coming inside in the first place.
* Be Persistent. Natural methods often require more frequent application than chemical pesticides. Reapply sprays, refresh dried herbs, and crush leaves regularly. Consistency is key.
* Combine Methods. Don’t rely on just one herb or one technique. Plant mint by the door, use lavender sachets in the pantry, and keep a bottle of rosemary spray handy for spot treatment.
* Patience is Needed. It might take a few days to see a significant reduction in ant activity as the herbs disrupt their established patterns. Don’t give up to quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most effective herb to get rid of ants?
A: Peppermint is often considered the strongest due to its high menthol content. Both the plant and its essential oil are very effective at disrupting ant trails and deterring entry.
Q: Can I just use essential oils instead of growing plants?
A: Absolutely. Essential oils are a concentrated and effective option. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint, tea tree, or lavender oil with water and a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well and use as a barrier spray.
Q: Will these herbs kill ants or just keep them away?
A: Most herbs are repellents, not insecticides. They work by making an area smell unpleasant or confusing to ants, encouraging them to go elsewhere. They do not typically kill the ants, which is better for the overall environment.
Q: How long do herb deterrents last?
A: Fresh plants last all season. Dried herb sachets remain effective for a few weeks. Homemade sprays should be reapplied every 2-3 days or after rainfall for outdoor use.
Q: Are herb remedies safe for my pets?
A: Most common herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme are safe. However, some, like tansy and certain essential oils in high concentrations, can be harmful if ingested by pets. Always research a specific herb’s safety for your animals and use essential oils with caution.
Using herbs to repel ants is a gentle, sustainable approach to pest management. It connects you to traditional gardening wisdom and gives you a practical use for your herb garden. By choosing the right plants and using them strategically, you can enjoy an ant-free home and a thriving garden, all without resorting to harsh chemicals. Start with a few pots of mint or lavender by your back door, and you’ll likely notice a difference in no time.