How to Use Vanilla to Repel Ants

Mix together 1/4 cup pure vanilla extract with 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol in a bowl. Do not substitute imitation vanilla extract because the imitation vanilla extract does not contain alcohol. You need a high alcohol content to kill the ants, and imitation vanilla extract not only doesn't add alcohol, but it also dilutes the isopropyl alcohol, which makes the remedy less effective.

Divide the vanilla-extract mixture into two to four shallow saucers.

Leave a saucer of the vanilla-extract mixture on windowsills and door frames, or anywhere else you believe the ants are entering the house. Ants may enter the dish and exit it before they die on the windowsill or door frame, leaving vanilla extract tracks on the surface. The vanilla extract may temporarily discolor light-colored paint, but it shouldn't hurt the paint, and you can wipe it up later.

Replace the saucer of the vanilla-extract mixture when it begins to dry up or when a number of ants have died in the mixture. Dried vanilla extract will continue to attract ants but it won't kill them unless the mixture contains enough liquid alcohol.