Identification

• To ensure you have an infestation and not a couple of wandering ants, look for slits in the woodwork where ants may be living. Ants are most active at night, so listen for a dry rustling noise in the walls, according to Health Canada.
  
  

Considerations

• Ants may come in on firewood or decorative bark. Check and remove any decaying wood that may be lying around the house, according to Health Canada.
  
  

Talcum Powder

• Use chalk or another source of talcum powder to draw a thick line near where the ants enter the home. Ants are unable to walk through talcum powder, says Liora Leah of the Manataka American Indian Council.
  
  

Natural Sprays

• Instead of using chemicals, try making a natural spray to repel insects. Mixing tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract is a homemade spray that works for some people.
  
  

Oil

• Spreading any cooking oil along an entrance or plants where ants may be living can be effective, says Dr. Myles Bader, author of the book "Club the Bugs & Scare the Critters." Peppermint essential oil can also help keep ants off of counters.