Tiny black ants marching across your kitchen counter? You’re probably dealing with what many people call “piss ants.” These annoying little bugs show up seemingly out of nowhere and can quickly take over your home if you don’t act fast.
Piss ants aren’t actually a single type of ant. The nickname covers several small ant species that love sweet foods and tend to appear near acidic sources or emit a foul smell when crushed. The most common types include odorous house ants, Argentine ants, pharaoh ants, and acrobat ants. They’re all small, dark, and incredibly persistent.
These ants can be a real problem because they contaminate food, create unsanitary conditions, and form huge colonies with multiple queens. A single colony can contain thousands of ants, making them tough to eliminate completely.
The good news? There are proven ways to get rid of these pests for good. This guide covers some of the most effective methods.
1. Use Professional-Grade Ant Baits with Borax
When it comes to how to get rid of piss ants, borax-based baits are one of the most effective options. Borax works by disrupting the ants’ digestive system, but it acts slowly enough that worker ants can carry it back to the colony and share it with other ants, including the queen.
Here are three proven borax bait recipes:
Liquid Bait: Mix 1 cup of warm water with 2 tablespoons of borax and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until everything dissolves completely.
Paste Bait: Combine equal parts sugar and borax, then add a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
Protein Bait: Mix 3 parts peanut butter with 1 part borax. This works well for ants that prefer protein over sugar.
Place these baits along ant trails, near entry points, and anywhere you see ant activity. Use bottle caps or soak cotton balls in the liquid bait. The key is patience. Don’t kill the ants you see carrying the bait because they need to bring it back to the colony.
Important Safety Note: Keep borax baits away from children and pets. Borax can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
Results typically appear within 2 to 7 days, making this one of the fastest ways to eliminate entire ant colonies.
2. Apply Diatomaceous Earth as a Natural Barrier
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized algae. It works by cutting through the ants’ outer shell, causing them to dry out and die. This makes it an excellent natural option for getting rid of piss ants.
To use DE effectively:
- Sprinkle it along ant pathways and trails
- Dust behind cabinets and in wall voids where ants hide
- Create barriers around entry points like doors and windows
- Apply it directly to ant nests if you can find them
DE works slower than chemical baits, often taking several days to show results. It also becomes less effective when wet, so you’ll need to reapply after rain or cleaning.
The big advantage of DE is safety. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets when you use the food-grade version. Just avoid inhaling the dust when applying it.
3. Seal Entry Points with Caulk and Weatherstripping
Prevention is always better than treatment. Getting rid of piss ants becomes much easier when you block their entry points in the first place.
Common entry points include:
- Cracks around windows and doors
- Gaps in your home’s foundation
- Openings where pipes or wires enter the house
- Worn or damaged weatherstripping
Use silicone caulk for exterior cracks and acrylic latex caulk for interior gaps. Clean the area first, apply the caulk in a continuous line, and smooth it with your finger or a tool.
Replace weatherstripping around doors and windows if it’s cracked or doesn’t seal properly. This also helps with energy efficiency.
Check your home twice a year for new cracks or gaps. Even tiny openings can let ants inside.
4. Use Peppermint Oil as a Natural Repellent
Peppermint oil is one of the most effective natural ant repellents. A 2020 study found it successfully repelled European red ants, and it works on other species too.
Make a peppermint spray by mixing 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water. Spray this solution around:
- Entry points like doors and windows
- Ant trails on counters and floors
- Areas where you’ve seen ant activity
You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near ant entry points. For direct nest treatment, apply 2 drops of undiluted peppermint oil right on the nest opening.
Reapply peppermint treatments weekly during ant season. The oil evaporates over time and loses effectiveness.
Pet Warning: Keep peppermint oil away from cats, as it can make them sick.
5. Create Vinegar Barriers to Disrupt Scent Trails
Ants follow invisible scent trails left by scout ants. Vinegar disrupts these trails and makes it harder for ants to find food sources.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on:
- Countertops and surfaces where ants travel
- Floors along baseboards
- Areas around sinks and appliances
Wipe the area with a cloth after spraying. The vinegar smell fades quickly for humans but continues to deter ants for 2 to 3 days.
This method works best when combined with other treatments since it only provides temporary deterrence.
6. Store Food in Airtight Containers
Ants can smell food from surprisingly far away. Proper food storage eliminates the attractants that bring them into your home in the first place.
Best container types:
- Glass jars with rubber seals
- Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
- For severe infestations, use double-sealing (bag inside container)
Foods to prioritize:
- Sugar, honey, and syrups
- Pet food and treats
- Cereals and crackers
- Any opened packages
Clean up spills immediately and wipe down sticky bottle exteriors. Even tiny amounts of sugar can attract an entire colony.
Place a few bay leaves in storage areas as natural deterrents. Ants dislike the smell and will avoid these areas.
7. Deploy Essential Oil Combinations
Several essential oils repel ants effectively. The key is using the right oils and applying them consistently.
Most effective oils:
- Cinnamon oil: Contains compounds that can kill ants on contact
- Tea tree oil: Strong scent disrupts ant navigation
- Lemon eucalyptus oil: Contains natural insect repellents
- Citrus oils: Lemon and orange oils confuse ant scent trails
Mix 20 to 30 drops of oil per cup of water for spray applications. You can also combine oils for stronger effects. A popular combination is peppermint, citrus, and water.
Apply these sprays to all potential entry points. If ants find one untreated area, they’ll use it as an alternate route.
8. Use Coffee Grounds and Spice Deterrents
Several kitchen staples can help deter ants naturally:
Coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around entry points and ant trails. The smell and texture both discourage ants.
Cinnamon powder: Ants can suffocate when they breathe in cinnamon powder. Sprinkle it around ant activity areas.
Cayenne pepper: The capsaicin irritates ants’ sensitive systems. Mix with water for a spray or sprinkle directly on trails.
Black pepper: Contains compounds that ants find irritating. Create barriers along baseboards and entry points.
Replace these natural deterrents when they lose their potency or get wet. They work best as part of a multi-method approach.
9. Create Physical Barriers with Chalk and Powder
Ants avoid crossing certain powdery substances. While not a permanent solution, these barriers can provide temporary relief while you implement other methods.
Chalk lines: Draw chalk lines around entry points. Many ants won’t cross these barriers, though the reason isn’t fully understood.
Talcum powder: Sprinkle around ant trails and entry points. The fine texture disrupts their movement.
Cornstarch: Works similarly to talcum powder but is food-safe.
These barriers are easily disrupted by moisture, cleaning, or heavy ant traffic. Use them for quick temporary protection while working on longer-term solutions.
10. Eliminate Water Sources and Moisture
Ants need water to survive, especially during dry periods. Removing water sources makes your home less attractive to them.
Target these areas:
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes
- Wipe down sinks and counters daily
- Address standing water in plant saucers
- Improve ventilation in humid areas like bathrooms
Pet water dishes: Use the “moat method” by placing the food dish inside a larger, shallow container filled with water. Ants can’t swim across to reach the food.
During ant season, wipe down all surfaces daily to remove water droplets and food residue.
11. Apply Outdoor Perimeter Treatments
Getting rid of piss ants often requires treating the outside of your home to prevent them from getting inside.
Landscape management:
- Trim plants and bushes at least 18 inches from your house
- Remove debris that touches your siding
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water buildup
- Fix drainage issues around your foundation
Perimeter treatments:
- Spray essential oil solutions around your foundation
- Apply diatomaceous earth in a band around your home
- Cut back tree branches that touch your roof or siding
These outdoor treatments create a barrier that ants must cross to reach your home.
12. Call Professional Pest Control
Sometimes DIY methods aren’t enough. Professional pest control becomes necessary when:
- DIY methods fail after 2 to 3 weeks
- You’re dealing with multiple large colonies
- Ants keep coming back every year
- The infestation is severe (thousands of ants)
What professionals can do:
- Identify the exact ant species
- Use non-repellent insecticides that don’t cause colony splitting
- Target hidden nests inside walls
- Create long-term prevention plans
Professional treatment costs more upfront but often provides better long-term results for severe infestations.
Prevention and Maintenance
The best approach to how to get rid of piss ants is preventing them from arriving in the first place.
Daily habits:
- Clean up spills immediately
- Store food in sealed containers
- Wipe down surfaces after cooking
- Keep pet food sealed when not in use
Weekly tasks:
- Inspect for new cracks or entry points
- Refresh natural deterrents like essential oils
- Deep clean areas where ants have been active
Seasonal preparation:
- Spring inspections for winter damage
- Perimeter treatments before ant season
- Landscape maintenance to remove ant highways
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes when dealing with ant problems:
Don’t use repellent sprays: Many commercial ant sprays just scatter the ants and can cause colonies to split into multiple smaller colonies.
Avoid ineffective methods:
- Baking soda doesn’t actually kill ants
- Killing visible ants without addressing the colony
- Using methods that only provide temporary relief
Safety mistakes:
- Improper handling of borax around pets and children
- Using essential oils that are toxic to pets
- Ignoring product safety instructions
Conclusion
How to get rid of piss ants requires a combination of methods and patience. Start with the most effective approaches like borax baits and sealing entry points, then add natural deterrents for extra protection.
Most methods take time to show full results, so don’t give up if you don’t see immediate changes. The goal is eliminating the entire colony, not just the ants you can see.
For severe infestations or recurring problems, don’t hesitate to call professional pest control. They have access to more powerful treatments and can identify issues you might miss.
Remember, prevention is always easier than elimination. Keep your home clean, seal entry points, and maintain good food storage habits to avoid future ant problems.
With the right approach and persistence, you can get your home back to being ant-free. The key is combining multiple methods and staying consistent with your efforts until the problem is completely resolved.
