Getting rid of ants in a garage involves a systematic approach that tackles the problem from its roots to ensure they don’t return. Just as with getting rid of ants in a kitchen , a few simple steps will see you right.
From locating the source to securing the garage perimeter, our expert guide will walk you through restoring your pest-free space — and preventing future infestations.
Where our pros have suggested products, we've sourced high-quality items from trusted retailers.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
1. Find the source
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The first step towards eliminating your ant infestation is identifying the entry point to your garage.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning , says, " Inspect your garage thoroughly to locate where the ants are entering. Look for ant trails, which can lead you to their nest or entry points.
"Pay close attention to cracks, crevices, and gaps in walls, floors, and the garage door. Use a flashlight, if necessary, to check dark corners and behind stored items."
Exactly in line with the reasons why ants come into the house , ants typically enter garages in search of food, water, or shelter, so pay close attention to any dark areas, damp spots, or food sources.
Karina adds, "When you do find the source, it's really important that you don’t disturb the trail or the nest until you have a plan in place, as this could cause the ants to spread to other areas."
2. Clean the space
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Once the source is found, clean the space thoroughly. Garages often accumulate dirt, spilled food, and moisture, all of which attract ants.
Vanessa Bossart, founder of GreenTerra Cleaning , says, "Sweep and vacuum the garage floor thoroughly to remove crumbs, spills, and debris. Clean up any spills immediately, and make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
"Store pet food or other potential attractants in sealed, airtight containers. By eliminating food sources, you reduce the reasons for ants to invade your garage in the first place, making it less attractive to them."
This spray's special formula kills ants and other pests on contact and keeps killing with residual action for up to four weeks. Effective on variety of bugs including ants, roaches, and household spiders, it comes with great reviews.
Tea tree oil is great for repelling all kinds of insects, including ants — plus it smells great. Affordable and safe on skin, it can be mixed with water to form a repellent spray, or dropped into a diffuser for a fresh-smelling garage space.
This extra-strength vinegar is great for household jobs, but mixed with water can also prove a really effective ant deterrent. Stock up on this hard-working ingredient for cleaning and pest-repelling. It's perfect for getting rid of flying ants , too.
3. Seal entry points
(Image credit: Getty Images)
After cleaning, it's time to seal the entry points.
Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service , says, "Inspect the garage for cracks or gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points, preventing ants from re-entering. This not only helps keep ants out but also improves the overall insulation of your garage."
Tommy says, "Place ant bait stations in areas where you’ve seen ant activity. These baits contain poison that ants will take back to their colony, effectively eliminating the source. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results."
Create a barrier around the outside of the garage by using ant repellents, insecticide or natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth or citrus peels. Trim back any vegetation that touches the garage, as plants can provide a bridge for ants to enter.
For a chemical-free alternative, Vanessa prefers diatomaceous earth and essential oils. She says, "Natural deterrents are safe for use around pets and children and can be an effective way to prevent future ant invasions without harsh chemicals.
"Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the garage and near entry points. You can also create a barrier using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil by mixing them with water and spraying around the garage."
Vanessa recommends Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer from Amazon , adding, "This natural product is great for creating a barrier that ants won’t cross. It’s safe to use around pets and children and provides a chemical-free solution to keep ants out of your garage."
6. Monitor and repeat
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Monitor the situation and be prepared to repeat the process if necessary. Even after taking these steps, ants might still find their way back. Regularly inspect the garage for new signs of ants and reapply bait if needed.
Tommy says, "Keep an eye on the affected areas for any signs of returning ants. You may need to repeat the baiting process to ensure complete elimination. Be patient, as it may take a few days to see results from baiting."
Keeping the space clean and sealed will help reduce the likelihood of a recurring problem. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping your garage ant-free.
Meet our experts
So there you have it — how to get rid of ants in a garage. By following these six simple steps, you can effectively manage and eliminate ants from your garage, creating a cleaner and more comfortable space.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Fragrance-free 
2 fl oz 
6% acidity 
Most Popular
Comments / 0