Ants Think of household ants as a tiny, well-organized army in search of food and water. Cover the sugar and put the honey jar in a sealed plastic baggie. Cut off water sources such as drips or dishes left soaking overnight. Keep a small spray bottle handy, and spray the ants with a bit of soapy water. Set out cucumber peels or slices in the kitchen.
Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber.
Leave a few tea bags of mint tea near areas where the ants seem most active. Dry, crushed mint leaves or cloves also work as ant deterrents. Trace the ant column back to their point of entry. Leave a small, low wattage night light on for a few nights in the area of most ant activity. The change in light can disrupt and discourage their foraging patterns.