Chalk
Like humans, ants don’t like to walk through things, like puddles or dirt, if we don’t have to. Using chalk as a barrier can work wonders in keeping ants away.
Strong smells
Ants apparently don’t like strong smells, making vinegar and strong smelling herbs, like cinnamon, mint, black pepper and even garlic, a great option to repel the critters. Simply, leave them in a small bowl or dip a cotton bud in liquid versions.
Water
Nothing ruins your dog’s dinner like a bowl full of ants.
As a clever imgur user pointed out, placing your pet’s bowl inside a larger bowl with water will keep pests at bay.
“Keep ants out of your dog’s food by putting the bowl into a larger bowl that has water in it," they wrote alongside an image of the hack.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.