How do I kill ants with household items?

Kill ants by sprinkling them with baby powder, or spray the area where the ants are found with white vinegar and water to cover their scent trails. For a more powerful spray, add tea tree oil to vinegar and water.

Bay leaves, cloves or cayenne pepper can be placed at the ants' point of entry into the house to deter them from entering. While a mixture of soap and water can kill ants, a mixture of borax, sugar and water placed in discreet areas around a house can kill the ants and prevent them from coming back to the house.