Get Rid Of Ants With A Popular Staple That's Sitting In Your Kitchen

If your daily routine involves sipping on your morning java while helplessly watching an army of ants snaking their way across your kitchen counter, there's good news for you. Those used coffee grounds you usually toss out can actually come to your rescue in the battle against these pesky intruders. It's believed that coffee grounds work as a natural ant repellent by throwing a wrench into their scent trails. The strong coffee scent actually creates a barrier that leaves ants super confused and unable to coordinate their next move.

Ants are known for using scent trails to communicate and find their way around your home, and when they locate a tasty morsel of food, they'll create a scent trail for their buddies to follow. That's where coffee grounds come into play. Just like you, the caffeine content has an effect on ants and acts like a sensory overload.

Now, here's the practical part. If you've spotted any ants making themselves a bit too comfortable in your space, grab those used coffee grounds and sprinkle them around the areas where these unwanted guests are sneaking in. They'll get a whiff of that strong coffee scent and become utterly perplexed. So the next time you're enjoying your morning cup of joe, remember that those coffee grounds have more superpowers than you might have thought.

Unfortunately, the jury is still out as to whether or not using old coffee grounds is truly an effective ant repellent. In fact, science suggests that using old grounds isn't that foolproof of a method. If you're looking to keep those pesky ants out of your kitchen, there are other things you can do in addition to using the coffee ground method. First off — make sure your kitchen is spick and span. 

That means wiping down your countertops, giving the floor a good sweep, and not leaving spills around, because ants love food scraps. When it comes to your grub, be sure to stash it in airtight containers. Open containers are like an open invitation to these little troopers. If you've got pets, don't forget to keep their food areas clean to avoid attracting unwanted guests. Lastly, seal up any little cracks and gaps around doors and windows. These are like the little secret passages that ants use to sneak in.

For some extra oomph, try incorporating other natural ant repellents into the grounds like baking soda, essential oils, or spices, or make a vinegar-based ant repellent spray. Keep an eye out for ant shenanigans and act fast if you spot any intruders. Finally, if things get seriously antsy, consider using a borax-based treatment, like Terra, or reach out to an ant exterminating professional.