4 easy ways to keep away ants

Summer is here. That means picnics, sunshine and lots of outdoor activities. But while you're heading outside, the ants are heading inside — and that's a problem.

These pests will stop at nothing short of demolishing your kitchen, getting into your open containers and crawling around so they can get every last crumb. Once they've moved into the kitchen, it can be difficult to get rid of these guys. You don't want to use harsh chemicals, but you also want to keep them out of your space.

We've tested the best homemade and organic solutions. Everything here is already in your kitchen cabinet, so you know you'll feel okay leaving it out near your food. Try these solutions and let us know what you think!

1. Cinnamon or cinnamon oil
1 tsp cinnamon or 10 to 15 drops of cinnamon oil
1 cup water
Cotton balls

While the sweet smell of cinnamon might make you drool, ants hate the stuff. Mix up water, cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil and drop some cotton balls in it. Let them soak it all up, then wipe the mixture right on the countertop where you're having problems. If you notice they're coming from a certain corner, leave a cotton ball there.

2. Baking soda
1 tbs powdered sugar
1 tbs baking soda

Now, you might be wondering why you would put sugar — something ants love — out on the counter. This trick doesn't exactly deter them; instead, it tricks and kills them. The ants come to the mixture because they want to eat the sugar, but they'll also eat the baking soda, which will eventually kill them.

3. Lemon
1 lemon juiced
1/4 cup water
10 drops essential oil

This mixture will not only deter ants, it's going to leave your home smelling nice and citrus-fresh, too. This mixture annoys ants and should keep them away. We love this solution because it's organic! You will just need to reapply this one regularly to keep them away.

4. Vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup white vinegar
10 drops essential oil

See a pattern here? Ants hate acidity, and simple white vinegar has tons of it. To keep these creatures out, simply mix up some vinegar, water and essential oils. They'll run away from the smell instantly. This is another solution you have to stay on top of — spray it a few times a day so the strong smell keeps them away.

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