Herbs/Spices and Essential Oils Sprinkle cinnamon, mint, chili pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves or garlic in the area where you’ve seen the ants. Then, treat your home’s foundation in the same manner. Placing bay leaves in cabinets, drawers, and containers can also help to deter ants.Click to see full answer. In respect to this, what herbs will keep ants away?Answer: Some herbs that will keep ants away are catnip, pennyroyal, peppermint, sage, and spearmint. Scattering the leaves of these plants in areas of your house where you’ve seen ants may keep them away. Tansy will work on sugar ants – the ones you see in your kitchen.Additionally, what smell do ants hate? Peppermint is an insect repellent, which can help you get rid of ants. Ants don’t like the smell of peppermint and are likely to avoid areas that contain traces of it. Peppermint has a strong fragrant that cannot be tolerated by the ants, which keep them away from entering the home. Also, what home remedy keeps ants away? Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them. You can also use vinegar and water as a deterrent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you see ants coming inside.Does chili powder deter ants?Chili powder – If you find an ant hill in or near your home, sprinkle chili or cayenne pepper into their nest. The spicy powder will kill the ants at their source and prevent them from coming back [source: Avian Web]. Borax – Borax is considered to be the most effective way to kill household ants.