That headline is suggesting there is a household substance that ants strongly avoid and that using it around entry points can keep them away. However, no common household remedy is guaranteed to keep ants away “for good.”
Safer ways to deter ants
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White vinegar: Wipe ant trails and entry areas with a diluted vinegar solution. It can disrupt the scent trails ants use to navigate, although the effect is temporary.
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Soapy water: Cleaning visible trails with soapy water helps remove pheromone trails.
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Keep food sealed: Store sugar, sweets, pet food, and other attractants in sealed containers.
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Clean spills and crumbs: Even small amounts of food can attract ants.
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Seal entry points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and baseboards.
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Address moisture: Repair leaks and avoid leaving standing water around the home.
If you have a persistent infestation, ant baits are often more effective than simply spraying or repelling the visible ants because workers can carry the bait back to the colony.
Avoid mixing household chemicals or applying potentially toxic substances where children or pets can reach them.
