If ants keep showing up around your home, a morning cup of coffee could already have a surprisingly simple solution. Used coffee grounds may be a cheaper and more simple way to help discourage ants without relying on store-bought methods.
Here's what to know
According to Hunker, leftover coffee grounds may make a home or garden less inviting to ants, even though they are not meant to kill the insects.
A strong coffee smell may be enough to put ants off, or the grounds may interfere with the scent trails ants use to move around and communicate. Hunker brought up a Texas A&M entomology study that found coffee grounds worked better as a repellent than baking soda, vinegar, and black pepper.
Using old coffee grounds can be a way to make something useful out of food scraps rather than tossing them straight into the trashcan or having to set up bait and traps.
More background
Hunker said the grounds can be run through a second cycle with plain water after brewing and dried completely in a skillet on low heat, in the sun, or in the oven. Fully drying them is said to help create a stronger-smelling barrier.
After they cool, the grounds can be spread in spots where ants usually congregate or pass through like doorways and foundation cracks. Hunker also said coffee grounds may help deter slugs and snails around vegetables and ornamental plants.
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What can be done?
It's good to note that Hunker described the tactic as a temporary repellent. It isn't a replacement for conventional pest control in a severe infestation. The smell may fade fast as well, so the grounds may need to be replaced every few days or after heavy rain for maximum effectiveness.
For people who already drink coffee, saving the grounds costs almost nothing and takes minimal effort.
That can be especially helpful in gardens, where avoiding store-bought products may help protect crops people put a lot of time and effort into managing. If you're trying to keep your harvest healthy, controlling pests with more natural products can be one practical way to support a safer, lower-cost garden.
Growing food at home can also offer benefits beyond pest control. A productive garden can reduce spending on produce, provide fresher flavors, and encourage habits that support both physical activity and mental well-being.
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