This 3 ingredient, non-toxic Peppermint Ant Deterrent Spray will keep ants out of your home safely and with a pleasant smell. You will never have to buy store bought, chemical filled ant spray or ant killer again!
It's that time of year...spring is here, and the ants are back in full force! You leave one little crumb on the floor and all the sudden a slew of ants invited themselves in for dinner! We have pets and kiddos, so I don't want to spray a bunch of chemicals all over my home, so I make my own Homemade Peppermint Ant Spray to keep them from coming in. See, most bugs, especially ants, HATE the smell of peppermint. It doesn't necessarily hurt them, they just stay away from it. So, I make this spray and keep it right under my sink just in case they try to come back. If you already have an ant problem, use THIS Recipe to Kill Ants. Have pet dishes that you just can't keep the ants out of? Use THIS Easy Hack to Keep Ants Out of Pet Dishes!
DIY Ant Deterrent
What you will need:
12 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil ( Purchase HERE )
2 Tablespoons of Witch Hazel ( Purchase HERE )
Spray Bottle ( Purchase Glass Spray Bottles HERE ) ( Purchase Plastic Spray Bottles HERE )
Step 1 - Fill your spray bottle up ¾ of the way with water.
Step 2 - Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel to the bottle.
Step 3 - Add 12 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to the bottle.
Step 4 - Place the lid on your spray bottle, and shake well before each use since to make sure the ingredients are all working together.
Spray it around the insides of your doors and windows, and wherever else you think ants are getting in. I even spray a little near out cat's feeding dishes to give them extra protection from critters. I even spray my patio area down every once in a while to keep them from invading any cookouts we may be having! The ants and other insects will stay away too...even spiders!
This is perfectly safe for countertops, sinks, the inside of cabinets and wood surfaces...just don't leave it in a pool.
WARNING - Do not get this in your eyes...I am speaking from experience here. Peppermint and eyes do not mix. If you get it on your hands, be sure to wash them thoroughly before touching your face.
Extra gardening tip: Have ant hills in your yard? Drop a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil on the hill and they will hit the road!
Also, make sure to label your ant deterrent spray. If you have other homemade cleaners or solutions, you can use THESE Free Printable Labels for them.
If you would like to print some labels for your Ant Deterrent Spray, you can grab the Free Printable Ant Deterrent Spray Labels above by clicking HERE! If you try to print the photo above, they will not be the correct size, so make sure you click HERE to download and print the correct size!
Find all of my easy cleaning tips and DIY cleaning solutions on my Home Tips Page HERE!
Rick says
Does this also work for carpenter ants? I have found that many of the ant deterrents, although they do a fantastic job with little food ants, do not work on carpenter ants.
Jessica says
I haven't ever used a carpenter ant deterrent, but I have heard they have an aversion to vinegar. Hope this helps!
Georges Reivres says
In my experience, the answer, sadly, is no (I never did try vinegar).. The good new is, as stated in the article, peppermint oil does indeed work a treat when it comes to repelling your everyday ant.
Kathi says
I already get your great ideas on my email. Thank you for sharing them! I was wondering if you had any idea of how I can keep cats from using my flower bed as their litter box? Neighbors up the street let their cats run loose (which is illegal here) and we get to clean up their mess. Also, my daughter is allergic to cats so I need to keep them out of my yard. The neighbor who owns these cats thinks it’s funny when their cat drags home a baby bunny or a bird..... which we feed because we enjoy seeing them and listening to the finches chirp. Without causing any problems with the neighbors, we have tried everything people have recommended..... cinnamon, cayenne pepper, sprayed apple cider vinegar, moth balls, etc. Do you have any suggestions for us to try?
Thank you!
Jessica says
Unfortunately, cats typically have a mind of their own and roam wherever they want. There are cat deterrents that can be found in stores, but the one smell they are supposed to hate is orange. Maybe try some orange peels in your garden. Hope this helps!!
Jennifer says
I heard keep a bowl of ammonia near the plants they are bothering. They hate the strong smell. Maybe put them in a plastic container with holes on top so it won’t get spilled over very easily - just a suggestion
Maria says
If no witch hazel, can alcohol be substituted?
Jessica says
I don't think I would use isopropyl alcohol for this one...if no witch hazel is available, use water instead...just make sure to shake a lot before using.
Squatched says
I would actually use a little dawn if no witch hazel is available it will help blend it
Libby says
What size bottle are those amounts for? I have different size spray bottles, so 3/4 doesn't tell me anything.
Kyl Dallas says
I have a large wooden desk I bought from Sauder and recently have noticed a few ants crawling around on the top area where I work on it. Do you know will the peppermint and water spray damage the desk if I spray it in the general area where I see the ants? Thanks you.
Jessica says
If you don't want to spray the wood with the ant spray, you could just dab a little of the peppermint oil in some spots around the area. The ants really hate the smell of peppermint, so you don't have to douse the desk which could damage it. I also have put a little peppermint oil on a cotton ball and placed it nearby to deter them...just not where a pet or child could get their hands on them. Hope this helps! xoxo, Jess
Jessica C. says
Please don't spray it near your cat's food bowls. Peppermint essential oil is toxic to cats!
jake says
what is the best to keep gants out of the house