How Do I Get Rid of Ants Without Killing Them?

Dear Reverend,

I keep my house very clean, but every summer ants find their way in. It’s not an infestation, just a handful of them in my kitchen now and then. I don’t like killing anything, so I don’t squash them and I refuse to use any kind of poison. How do I get rid of the interlopers without hurting them?

Bugsy Malone (woman, 52)

Dear Bugsy Malone,

I’m with you. I won’t kill anything unless it’s coming to get me, so that’s pretty much just mosquitoes and ticks.

Squishing ants is a bad idea — not just for the karma. When an ant is squashed, it releases an alarm pheromone that can attract more ants, and you certainly don’t want that. You can sweep them up and put them outside, but there are less labor-intensive ways to deter the little buddies.

Having ants in your home doesn’t mean your house is dirty, but they’re attracted to the teensiest crumb or spill. Be extra diligent to make sure there’s no buffet for them. If you have a pet, avoid leaving their food out all the time. The ants may also be looking for water or seeking shelter from the weather.

You can buy nontoxic insect repellents, but you probably already have some things in your kitchen that’ll do the trick. Ants dislike the odor of white vinegar, and it disrupts their scent trails. Put equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and squirt around the areas where you see the ants. Your kitchen might smell like a pickle for a minute, but it’s worth a shot. You can add essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus for a more pleasant aroma.

Lemon or cucumber peels placed around ant areas can also act as deterrents. Ditto coffee grounds and cinnamon. I’ve tried all these options, and they helped, but it did make me feel like I was living in a compost bin.

Try to figure out where the ants are getting in and block their entry. I recently saw some ants exiting through a teensy crack around my kitchen windowsill, so I sealed it with caulk. I still see the occasional ant, but my window looks nice and fresh.

Having a few ants in your house is a sure sign that summer has finally come to Vermont. If it’s the worst problem you have, you’re doing pretty good. Get outside and soak up some sun because, just like summer, the ants will be gone before you know it.

Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend