How to Kill Ants With WD-40

Written By
Robert Preston
Robert Preston
Published: Oct 25, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

One ant remedy, which would not likely be the first idea tried, is the application of WD-40, which kills the ants as well as forms a barrier that they are opposed to crossing over in the future.

  1. Use a direct application of WD-40 on any live ants you find. The agent will kill the ants almost immediately in most cases.

  2. Search for any ant trails, notable by the presence of several ants traveling in each direction. Spray WD-40 along the trail to kill any active ants.

  3. Follow the trail to both ends. The trail will often connect the ant colony to areas in which the ants are accessing your house, or areas where they are getting food.

  4. Spray the colony with a large dose of WD-40. Aim the spray around the entire surface, as well as down the opening in the top of the hill. A thorough application will allow the WD-40 to soak down into the colony and kill the ants within.

  5. Spray any areas where ants are feeding or accessing your house with WD-40. The spray will not only kill ants currently there, but will also serve as a deterrent from further access as long as residue from the spray remains.

The Drip Cap

  • Few home woes are more frustrating, and often unsettling, as an influx of ants.
  • One ant remedy, which would not likely be the first idea tried, is the application of WD-40, which kills the ants as well as forms a barrier that they are opposed to crossing over in the future.
  • Aim the spray around the entire surface, as well as down the opening in the top of the hill.
Robert Preston

Robert Preston is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work for various websites, Preston has done public relations with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where…

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