Kitchen

[beach-mom]

It's the time of year we struggle with ants around the kitchen sink. I spray Simple Green around the sink every night and that helps a little, but they always come back. I won't use anything strong because of the kitties.

A few nights ago I was using fresh thyme. I stripped the leaves off and left the stalks beside the sink to throw away. As I was hurrying, I left without cleaning up. When I got home and went to clean up I noticed there was not one ant around the sink. After cleaning all the dishes I left another sprig by the sink. No ants in the morning!

I put a whole bunch out around the sink. There was one ant crawling around, but that was it.

Could the thyme be helping? Or is it just a coincidence?  

[Marp]

Thyme and other plants/herbs that are highly aromatic and contain a high amount of essential oils are pretty effective in repelling ants (and spiders).

Thyme, mint (especially peppermint and spearmint), Rosemary, catnip and even garlic are also effective.

[loriqvc]

I agree with @Marp—ants and many other small critters don't like strong scents. My driveway cracks are often a bit crimson due to the cinnamon applied to the anthills that form there in the spring and summer; I prefer it to the chemicals in commercial sprays and the ants definitely hate it (and therefore disappear pretty quickly).

[wagirl]

I mixed powdered sugar with boric acid to repel the tiny sugar ants----

[Texas Gray Wolf]

Try Thymol.  It's also in Clean Boss Spray which I use often.