Unless you collect bugs as a pastime, you probably think that ants and other tiny pests are the worst. Especially when they’re in your house, crawling around like they own the place. Every time you think you’ve secured every possible opening, another mini-infestation manages to sneak past your defenses. There has to be a way to keep your kitchen safe from these pests!
In fact, there are several ways to get rid of the seemingly indestructible pests that constantly find ways into your home. Whether you want natural repellents or something with a little more kick, we’ve got you covered. Now all you have to do is decide which to try first.

1. Chalk
Chalk lines aren’t just for crime scenes anymore. There’s speculation as to why ants avoid chalk, but most believe it’s due to the calcium carbonate in chalk. Whatever the reason, ants will rarely cross a chalk line, so just draw some lines around doorways and windows to keep the ants from getting into your house.

2. Peppermint spray
Unlike humans, ants hate the smell of peppermint. Now, you could unwrap a bunch of peppermint candies and strategically place them all over your house to repel ants. Or, you could make your own peppermint spray using distilled water, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel and 12 drops of peppermint essential oil. Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle, shake it up and spray it wherever the ants seem to be coming in. It’s a natural remedy that will leave your house smelling great.

3. Dish detergent
Due to their reliance on their sense of smell, cutting off the ants’ scent trail is one of the most effective ways to keep them out of your house. To do this, fill a spray bottle with water and add 1/4 a cup of dish detergent. Find the places the ants are using to access your home and spray these areas with your mixture. This will kill most of the ants that try to come into your house and those that survive will lose their original scent trail, leaving them unable to lead other ants back to your home.

4. Garlic
If you don’t mind the smell of garlic, you can use it as a natural ant repellent. Just cut up a few cloves of garlic to leave around the areas you’ve noticed the ants and your house will soon be pest-free. If you don’t want your house to smell like garlic, though, this tip might not be your best option.