Ants in the window sill [5 ways to get rid of them]

Sam McGilin

Sam McGilin

Hey there, I’m Sam McGilin, the person behind Pallentor. I have worked in the pest control industry for over 15 years. On this site, I share my knowledge so you can enjoy a pest-free home.

Important Disclosure: This post could contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through any of the links, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

In this article, we will take a look at three easy ways to get rid of ants on your window sill.

Ants in the window sill – Here’s what to do

Solution 1: VINEGAR

Because of its strong, acidic smell, vinegar is an excellent method to get rid of ants. All you need is to mix two parts of water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and then spray it around the area where you’ve seen the ants, in this case, your window sill. It will repel and keep them away. 

This mixture is very cheap to make. Today, a liter of vinegar costs about $2-3. Apart from that, it is much better than some harsh chemicals on the market today, which can be pretty dangerous for your family, especially if you have small kids. 

Solution 2: DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

Diatomaceous earth is an excellent solution if you want to go the natural route. It is a powder made from fossilized algae. When it’s wet, it’s harmless to humans and animals. However, it can be deadly to small insects like ants when it dries out. Diatomaceous earth punctures insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die.

Sprinkle around the areas where you’ve seen ants, or put it in a container and place it near the window sill. This method is very effective but can take a few days because the diatomaceous earth needs time to dry out and do its job.

Diatomaceous earth costs about $10-15 for a two lb. bag. It might sound expensive, but it will last a long time.

Solution 3: PEPPERMINT OIL

Peppermint oil is also a great option if you want a solution that smells good. Ants, on the other hand, hate the smell of peppermint, so they’ll stay away from areas sprayed with it. To use peppermint oil, mix 1 part oil with two parts water in a spray bottle and spread the mixture around where you’ve seen ants. You can also try putting drops of oil on a cotton ball and placing it near where the ants are coming in, like the window sill. The smell of peppermint will make them go away and keep them from returning. 

Peppermint oil is a bit more expensive than other options on this list. A small bottle costs about $7-10. However, just like diatomaceous earth, it will last a long time. And the bonus is, it has a pleasant smell, so it’s worth the extra money.

Solution 4: CHALK AND GELS

Chalk and gels can be effective temporary solutions. These products work by creating a barrier that ants can’t cross. To use these products, apply them around the areas where you’ve seen ants. 

Chalk and gels are relatively affordable, costing about $5-10 per box, bottle, or tube.

Solution 5: BORAX

Borax is a powder made from boric acid. It is poisonous to ants and insects but not harmful to humans or animals. However, when the ants ingest the borax, it will kill them.

To use borax, mix 1 part borax with three parts sugar. Then, place the mixture in a container and put it near where the ants are coming in. The ants will aim for the sugar but will eventually consume the borax, and the mixture will kill them. 

You can also try mixing the borax and sugar with water to make a paste. Then, use a cotton ball, dip in the paste and place it near where the ants are coming in.

Borax is relatively cheap and can be found in the laundry aisle of most stores. A small box costs about $2-3. It is an excellent solution if you’re looking for a cheap and effective way to kill ants.