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.
Table of Contents
1. Use Professional-Grade Ant Baits with Borax
- Attracts and kills ants you see and the colony you don’t
- Fast results—see fewer ants in just days
- Ready-to-use stations, no mess or setup needed
- Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and any ant hotspots
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
- Kills fleas, ants, roaches, and more
- Includes powder duster for easy, targeted application
- Works indoors and outdoors, long-lasting when dry
- 100% pure, food-grade, safe around pets and kids
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
- Indoor/Outdoor 100% Waterproof Seal – Provides a durable, long-lasting seal for both indoor and outdoor use, perfect for showers, sinks, windows, doors, gutters, and vents
- 30-Minute Water-Ready – Fast-curing formula allows water exposure in just 30 minutes, perfect for quick home repairs and DIY projects
- Mold & Mildew Resistant – Protects surfaces from mold and mildew growth; easy to maintain with regular cleaning for lasting performance
- Highly Flexible & Durable – Meets ASTM C-920, Class 35 standards; won’t shrink, crack, or break down over time
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
- Plant-based peppermint oil formula repels pests naturally
- Safe to use around pets, kids, and indoor living spaces
- Great for garages, attics, baseboards, and outdoor areas
- Fresh mint scent with long-lasting protection
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.
- Effective Rodent and Pest Repellent — The plant-based rodent repellent mothballs are alternative to poison, traps or sprays, which can emit a strong mint scent that irritates the central nervous system of rodents, effectively driving them away without the mess and cleanup associated with traps or poison. Protect your home from rodent infestations.
- Long Lasting Natural Formula — Mint rat repellent is made from concentrated essential oils of eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint, ensure all-natural ingredients. These mouse repellent balls emit a long-lasting scent lasts for about 30-60 days, keeping mice and pests away from your territory. It is safe for use around humans, pets, gardens, flowers, etc.
- Indoor and Outdoor Protection — The peppermint oil rodent balls are perfect for closets, storage rooms, basements, attics, cars, truck engine compartments, vehicles, RVs, tractors, sheds, barns, garages, cabins, and any area plagued by pests.
- Ready to Use — Simply tear open the protective bag, remove the individual repellent sachets, and place them in areas where you have seen mice and pests. Each rodent ball covers an effective area of up to 120 square feet. Replace when the scent diminishes. Note: For areas with severe infestations, it is recommended to place the balls more densely and use it continuously. A reduction in pest activity should occur within 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Create Vinegar Barriers to Disrupt Scent Trails
- UNMATCHED PURITY AND CONSISTENCY: Experience Calyptus 80% vinegar concentrate solution, crafted with Pure Technical Grade Vinegar and DI Type II H20. Our concentrated solution consistently delivers the same smell, color, and results.
- POWER AT YOUR COMMAND: Dilute 1:20 with water. One quart of Calyptus 80% pure concentrated vinegar delivers the equivalent power of 5 gallons of standard 4% vinegar, when fully diluted.
- SOURCED AND MADE IN THE USA: We take great pride in sourcing and manufacturing our ultra-powerful vinegar concentrate domestically, using high-integrity ingredients, that are never imported. Made in an ISO 9001 Certified US Facility.
- THE POTENCY YOU EXPECT – 100% OF THE TIME: Precision manufacturing is not trivial – it’s why we exist! The potency we state on our label is the concentration you will receive. We deliver consistent product so that you can produce consistent results.
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
- Help Organize Your Kitchen and Pantry— Imagine every time walking to your kitchen or pantry, found everything is neatly organized. No longer messy, you can get everything you want very quickly. With the stackable and space-saving design, these containers will make more efficient use of every inch of your kitchen pantry cabinets.
- 4 Size Combinations Fit Your Needs — Our kitchen storage container set comes in 4 different sizes. Includes 6 Tall Container (2.5quart/2.8 liters), 6 Large Containers (1.8quart/2.0 liters), 6 Medium Containers (1.5quart/1.6 liters), 6 Small Containers (0.7quart/0.8 liters). Perfect for storing spaghetti, baking supplies, cereal, flour, sugar, oats, pasta, rice, coffee, tea, snacks, nuts and other dry goods.
- Airtight Containers Keep Food Fresh — The side-locking lids with silicone gasket make these storage containers airtight, and the top flips open easily. The airtight storage system will always keep your food dry and fresh. All have the same lids make it easy to wash dry and reuse with ease.
- BPA Free and Food Grade Material — Vtopmart pantry storage containers are made of durable plastic, BPA free, which have a longer life than many other brands plastic containers. Clear containers make it convenient to see what’s inside, you can easily get what you want without opening every container.
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
- Dual-Function Kills & Repels: EcoVenger (Formerly as EcoRaider) Ant & Crawling Insect Killer, kills 100% of house ants in 1 minute and fire ants in 6 minutes. It disrupts ants pheromone trails and breaks down their foraging activity, preventing re-entry for 4 weeks. Also kills crickets, dermestids, earwigs, fleas, midges, millipedes and spiders. Ready to spray for both indoor/outdoor use.
- One Spray to Get Rid of Ants : Spray on active ants to kill instantly, spray ants entry points (around doors, windows or wall crevices) and along trailing route for lasting deterrence. Spray around kitchen, trash cans, plumbing, doors and windows for preventative measure. No more messy ant bait which can result in seeing more ants. EcoVenger wipes out all immediately!
- Proven by Published University Studies : EcoVenger (Formerly EcoRaider) is rated the #1 most effective among many other natural products, stated in a leading university study published by the Journal of Economic Entomology. More studies have demonstrated that its efficacy is comparable to or higher than most popular chemical pesticides (Deltamethrin, Cyfluthrin and Chlorfenapyr).
- Plant-Based & Non-Toxic but Highly Efficacious : Contains no pyrethroids or pyrethrum. Its active ingredients are organically extracted from essential oils. The formula is only lethal to insects by blocking their neuron transmitter but does not affect humans, animals, fish or birds.
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
- EASY TO USE – Just apply talc powder directly to the desired location during your daily running, playing, and other sports. At the same time, qucship talcum powder can be applied to the tiger’s mouth to lubricate it when playing billiards and can be used in hair as a styling powder.
- 100% PURE TALC – Qucship provides you with high-purity talc powder mined from high-quality ores. It is a 2000 mesh white powder that gives you a super delicate touch. We bring the highest quality and lowest prices on talc, your truly odorless and safe all-purpose life companion.
- WHY QUCSHIP? – Qucship helps unleash your creativity so you have the best hardener for perfect chalk paint. Our talc is a fast-thickening agent. It can be added to different paints and coatings to enhance your painting experience and achieve fast and smooth paint application.
- SWEAT ABSORBENT & LUBRICANT – Elevate your workout routine with qucship’s anti-sweat talc powder. Allowing you to enjoy exercise more easily and comfortably. Qucship talc is used to lubricate the inner tubes of mountain bikes and automobiles to reduce adhesion and tearing and ensure service life.
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.
FAQ
What are piss ants, exactly?
“Piss ants” is a nickname for several small ant species that often show up indoors, especially around sweet foods, and can smell unpleasant when crushed.
What is the best method to get rid of piss ants for good?
Borax based baits are one of the strongest options because workers carry the bait back and share it with the colony, including the queen.
How long does borax ant bait take to work?
Results commonly show within 2 to 7 days, since the bait works slowly enough to spread through the colony.
Where should I place ant bait for the best results?
Place bait along ant trails, near entry points, and anywhere you see activity. Let the ants take it back instead of wiping them out right away.
Is diatomaceous earth a good natural option for piss ants?
Yes. Food grade diatomaceous earth can work well as a natural barrier on trails and entry points, especially when kept dry.
What is the best way to stop piss ants from entering the house?
Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and replace worn weatherstripping. Even tiny openings can let ants in.
Does peppermint oil help keep ants away?
It can help as a natural repellent layer, especially when refreshed regularly in problem areas.
What daily habits help keep ants away long term?
Clean spills quickly, store food in sealed containers, and wipe surfaces often. Consistent prevention makes every treatment work better.
