DIY Debunked: Entomologists Put Popular Internet Ant Hacks to the Test

NPMA's new series, "Don't Try This at Home," reveals why most DIY fixes don't stand a chance against a colony and shares what works

FAIRFAX, Va., June 24, 2026 — Ants are America’s number one nuisance pest, and the internet has no shortage of remedies promising a quick fix. Dried bay leaves, ground pepper, vinegar spray and lemon juice are popular do-it-yourself methods on social media with countless views, but do they work?

To find out fact from fiction, the board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) tested these hacks in a fully stocked kitchen, complete with a live ant colony. The results are featured in NPMA’s newest series, “Don’t Try This at Home,” live at DontTryThisatHome.PestWorld.org.

A survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the NPMA found that 29% of Americans have used natural or home remedies to get rid of ants in their home, and one-in-three Americans (33%) know someone who has experienced an ant problem in their home.

“We're hearing from pest control professionals that homeowners tried a social media hack and it ended up making the problem worse,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. “Ants live in colonies that can number into the thousands, and a quick surface fix doesn't stop them; it redirects them.” 

Ants are more than a nuisance; they can cause real health and structural issues. Red imported fire ants and Asian needle ants, two invasive species with an ever-expanding range, deliver painful stings that can result in welts and allergic reactions. Carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage as they tunnel through wood.

DontTryThisatHome.PestWorld.org also features entomologist-approved tips on what really works to prevent ants from coming into your home, photos and information on the most common ant infestation culprits and a free directory to find a qualified pest control professional near you. 

“Homeowners deserve straight answers from professionals, not viral guesses. When DIY reaches its limit, a qualified pest control professional knows how to find the source and solve it for good,” added Fredericks. 

### 

Survey Methodology  

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between January 29 – February 2, 2026, among 1,389 U.S. homeowners ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@vaultcommunications.com.