The Popular Root Vegetable That Will Banish Ants From Your Home

No one like party crashers or home invaders, and unfortunately, ants fall under that guise. Lucky for you that the humble yet fragrant ginger root is an eco-friendly way to make ants do a quick 180 out of your abode. Ginger root's effectiveness in deterring ants can be attributed to its strong aroma, primarily derived from compounds like gingerol and zingiberene. These compounds have a pungent scent that ants can't handle because it disrupts their ability to communicate and navigate. As a result, ants are a bit more hesitant to enter areas where that particular smell is prevalent.

There are a few different methods for using ginger. The first is to slice the root into small discs and place the raw vegetable near cracks and crevices where ants are breaking in. Alternately, for stubborn ants that want to keep hanging out in your home, you can grate fresh ginger root and leave it in small piles near entry points. The second variation will release more of the vegetable's fragrant, spicy aroma. If you don't have the fresh stuff on hand, then grab some of the powdered stuff from your spice cabinet. That works, too.

While using ginger root to deter ants is generally safe and considered to be environmentally friendly, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it in its raw form. Keep your surfaces safe and make sure that it does not come into contact with porous materials, as it might leave a stain. It's best to place ginger on a small dish or within sachet's to help prevent direct contact. Additionally, if you have pets or small children, you need to be careful that they won't get interested in your trapping methods. While it is considered non-toxic, having your pet or child accidentally get ginger in their eyes, mouth, or if powdered, inhaled, is something you'll want to avoid.

In some cases, you might find that ginger alone won't put too much of a dent in your ant population, especially if they're going to war. In situations like this, you can make a concoction from ginger, garlic, and water and topically spray it in high ant-traffic areas. Adding a little bit of diatomaceous earth into the mixture will also stop ants in their tracks and send them packing.