How to Eliminate Those Pesky Ants From Your Driveway and Garden

You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep ants out of your house, only a few of these natural remedies.

With thoughtful control strategies, you can reclaim outdoor spaces from ants without relying on harsh chemicals. Robert Katzki/Unsplash

Most people have experienced an ant invasion at some point in their lives. Ants can be a nuisance, but more importantly, they can contaminate food with bacteria and pathogens. Fire ants and other species can trigger allergic reactions in some people, while carpenter ants can do structural damage to buildings.

But besides calling an exterminator, how do you eliminate these pests? There are techniques and non-toxic products that you can use. And you may be surprised at what home remedy is lacking from your arsenal.

Eliminate the Food Source in Your Garden

When choosing a place to live, ants seek food, water, and shelter. They are particularly drawn to a food source.

While some species harvest plant material, ants prefer the sugar excretions—also known as honeydew—of plant parasites like scale and aphids. They like honeydew so much that they sometimes take steps to safeguard it as a food supply.

“Some ant species will ‘cow herd’ these plant feeders and protect them from predators,” Craig Sansig, public health entomologist with Viking Pest Control, told The Epoch Times. “By ensuring your plants are healthy and free from scale and aphids, it will help to reduce the attractiveness of your yard to these ant species.”

Neem oil can be used to eliminate aphids and scale. Simply use a spray bottle and thoroughly coat all plant surfaces. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), neem oil has been used as a pesticide for hundreds of years. It’s found in seeds from the neem tree. Neem is non-toxic to birds, mammals, bees, and plants, but it’s slightly toxic to fish, so avoid applying it to plants near fish ponds.

Eliminating Enticing Nesting Spots

Many ants will nest in existing gaps and under flat items in contact with the soil. According to Sansig, “pavers, downspout splash blocks, firewood, and debris are all great places for ants to build nests beneath.”

You’ll want to check these locations if you’re seeing ants. Eliminating ants is much simpler once you’ve located the colony.

The Problem With Water

Water is probably the next most common ant attractant, according to Sansig.

“By reducing standing water, fixing leaky water spigots, and keeping rain gutters clear, you can help further reduce the attractiveness of your property to ants,” he said.

Many people think that pouring boiled water on ants is an effective means of eliminating them. But Allan Bossel, operations expert and licensed exterminator with Bed Bug Exterminator, said that “boiling water is dramatic and sometimes satisfying, but it is short-lived.”

He said that three gallons or more per mound are needed, and even then, this method will only work 60 percent of the time.

“If a nest has a second chamber just 12 inches deeper, those ants are laughing at your kettle,” Bossel said.

Only a fraction of the pests will be eliminated, and you risk scalding roots—or yourself!—or killing plants.

Natural Remedies Offer Temporary Disruption

Vinegar is a commonly used solution, but it’s not very effective. It will offer instant disruption to the ants’ scent glands, which deters them from reaching your home. But unfortunately, it evaporates within minutes and will typically have no effect on the queen or nearby tunnels.

And although vinegar is often used in the garden to kill weeds, it must be diluted or its acidity could burn the plants’ leaves or disrupt nutrient intake.

Other natural remedies that disrupt the scent glands are essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or lemon eucalyptus. They have a similar effect to vinegar.

When mixed with sugar and water, boric acid creates a bait that, when ingested, disrupts the ant’s digestive system. Baking soda mixed with sugar is also deadly to ants who ingest it. Good old-fashioned soap and water can kill ants by breaking down their exoskeletons.

These remedies can provide temporary relief, but they’re unlikely to eliminate the entire colony.

Diatomaceous Earth Application Works

Spreading diatomaceous earth is effective. According to NPIC, it’s silica derived from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. Products containing diatomaceous earth are most commonly sold in powder form. They’re non-toxic and considered safe for pets.

According to Bossel, a diatomaceous earth application works well for broad surface mounds near driveways.

“Dust around each mound with about a quarter cup per spot,” he said.

The particles abrade the ant’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration.

“A five-pound bag can cover a 20-foot trail, leaving a gritty layer that shreds tiny insect shells,” Bossel said. “It’s plant-safe and does not cost much.”

However, keep in mind that it may take several days or longer to work. You'll want to reapply after rain or heavy watering, since it can be easily washed away.

Ant Bait Safe for Plants

“In gardens, people get nervous about using bait, but you can absolutely use ant bait without killing your plants,” Bossel said.

He said sugar-based gel or granular bait usually works. You'll need six ounces per 100 square feet of treatment area, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The ants carry the bait back to their nest and feed it to the entire colony, including the queen.

“This method can reduce ant activity by a huge percentage within one week. It is low volume, targeted, and safe for plants,” Bossel said.

But remember, you want the ants to take it back to the nest. If you kill them instead, the poison won’t be delivered to the nest, and the colony survives.

Although ant bait is harmless to plants, it does pose risks to pets and children if consumed. But many baits are formulated to be less toxic to mammals. Always read the manufacturer’s directions and warnings when using.

Keeping Ants in Check

Managing ants in your garden or driveway doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals or costly extermination. By cutting off food and water sources, disrupting nesting spots, and using targeted treatments such as ant bait or diatomaceous earth, you can greatly reduce their numbers and keep them from coming back.

No single method works for every situation, but a thoughtful combination—chosen with your plants, pets, and environment in mind—will give you the best chance at long-term control. With a little persistence, you can reclaim your outdoor spaces and keep them healthy, productive, and ant-free.

Who knows—one of these remedies might be just the solution you’ve been missing.