If there’s one thing that unites Australian households—apart from a love of a good cuppa and a backyard barbie—it’s the annual invasion of ants.
Whether it’s a trail marching across your kitchen bench or a surprise swarm in the pantry, these tiny trespassers seem to know exactly when to show up uninvited. But what if the solution to your ant woes was as simple as a $2 trip to the supermarket?
One clever Australian resident recently shared her ‘very easy and simple’ hack for banishing ants, and it’s got the internet buzzing. Her secret weapon?
Whole cloves. That’s right—the same spice you might pop into a Christmas ham or mulled wine could be the answer to your pest problems.
In a video that’s quickly gained traction online, social media user Ashley Fuller, holds up a humble packet of whole cloves from Coles, explaining: ‘If you have ants, what you want to do is get whole cloves and you want to put them along the ant trail and that is it, it will get rid of them. I’ve tried this one time and I have not had ants in my house since.’
She even recommended the trick to a friend, who reported the same ant-free results.
It’s a hack that’s as affordable as it is aromatic, and for many, it’s worth a try—especially if you’re keen to avoid harsh chemicals in your home. But does it really work, or is it just another old wives’ tale?
The science (and skepticism) behind the spice
While cloves are known for their strong, pungent scent—thanks to a compound called eugenol—there’s limited scientific evidence to suggest they’re a foolproof ant deterrent.
Still, many natural remedies rely on overwhelming ants’ sensitive sense of smell, disrupting their pheromone trails and sending them packing.
But not everyone in the pest control business is convinced. Eduardo Garcia from Toro Pest Control says he’s been fielding calls from frustrated Australians desperate for a solution, and he understands the appeal of natural remedies.
However, he suggests there are more effective options: ‘Getting a spray bottle with water and vinegar with peppermint oil would help more than cloves,’ he says.
‘Or people often use baby powder. Campers often sprinkle it around their caravan or tent as it neutralises the ants’ ability to communicate because they communicate through pheromones… They get lost and veer off and then just move onto the next area where they can communicate.’
Natural remedies: Worth a shot or a waste of time?
Warren Bailey from ABC Pest Control is a little more cautious. While he acknowledges that natural remedies can sometimes work, he warns that ants are quick to adapt.
‘It’s worth a try but often with ants, they get immune to it very quickly. You can try it once and it works then you go to use it again and they’ve built up resistance,’ he explains.
‘People can get lucky with natural remedies but we usually have to come back with something stronger.’
So, while cloves might work as a quick fix, don’t be surprised if your six-legged foes return for round two.
Why are ants invading now?
Many of us associate ant invasions with the heat of summer, but as Eduardo points out, high rainfall can be just as much to blame.
‘Pests are coming out at the moment with all the rain. The water is saturating their workings in the mud and they get destroyed easily so they come out of the ground. Obviously, our properties are nice and sturdy, so they go in for food, shelter and water,’ he says.
In other words, when the weather turns wild, your home becomes a five-star resort for ants seeking refuge.
Prevention: The best defence
While a sprinkle of cloves might buy you some time, the experts agree that prevention is key. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to keep ants at bay:
Seal the entry points: Check for weep holes, cracks, and gaps in walls or floors, and block them up where possible.
Keep it clean: Ants are always on the hunt for crumbs and spills. Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers.
Remove temptations: Don’t leave pet food out, and take out the rubbish regularly.
Call in the pros: If you’re facing a full-blown infestation, sometimes the best solution is to call a professional pest controller.
The verdict: Should you try the clove hack?
At just $2 a packet, there’s little harm in giving the clove trick a go—especially if you’re looking for a chemical-free solution. But if the ants keep coming back, don’t be afraid to escalate your efforts.
Have you tried the clove hack, or do you have your own secret weapon against ants? Share your stories, tips, and triumphs in the comments below—let’s help each other keep our homes ant-free, one clever hack at a time!
Also read: Australian orchards under attack: Is this poisonous invader in your backyard?
