Naturally Repel Ants
Indoors and Out with Cedarwood Oil
Ants are resourceful little invaders, and once they find a way into your home or garden, it can feel like a never-ending battle. But there’s good news for those who want to skip the harsh chemicals: cedarwood oil is a natural, effective way to repel and even kill ants—without putting pets, kids, or your garden at risk.
Why Cedarwood Oil Works
Cedarwood oil disrupts ants’ pheromone trails, which they use to navigate and communicate. Without those trails, they lose their sense of direction and stop marching in neat little lines across your counter. The oil also affects their exoskeletons, making it a potent, plant-based pest deterrent.
How to Use Cedarwood Oil Indoors
1. Ant Repellent Spray
Ingredients:
10–15 drops cedarwood essential oil
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar or witch hazel (optional)
Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Spray along baseboards, entryways, windowsills, or anywhere you’ve seen ants.
Reapply every few days or after cleaning.
2. Cotton Ball Method
Add a few drops of cedarwood oil to cotton balls.
Place them in drawers, behind appliances, inside cabinets, or anywhere ants tend to gather.
Refresh weekly or when the scent fades.
How to Use Cedarwood Oil Outdoors
1. Perimeter Spray
In a larger spray container, mix 20–30 drops of cedarwood oil per gallon of water.
Spray around the foundation of your home, doorways, windows, porches, and garden beds.
Reapply after heavy rain or every 1–2 weeks during ant season.
2. Mulch & Garden Beds
Some cedarwood products are sold as mulch or chips. Placing these in garden beds or around the base of structures can create a scent barrier ants don’t want to cross. Just make sure it’s untreated cedar if you’re using it around food-producing plants.
Tips for Success
Consistency is key. Reapply regularly, especially in peak ant season.
Clean up crumbs and spills quickly—cedarwood oil works best when ants aren’t being rewarded with food.
If you find an ant hill near your home, you can pour a cedarwood oil solution directly into it to disrupt the colony.
Final Thoughts
Cedarwood oil is a gentle yet powerful tool in your natural pest control toolkit. Whether you’re fighting an indoor invasion or keeping your garden ant-free, it’s a safer option that smells great and gets the job done. Plus, you're skipping the toxic residue left behind by commercial sprays.
Have you tried cedarwood oil for pests before? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments—or share your favorite essential oil mix!
