There’s a wee little hack making the rounds on TikTok, and it’s sparked the kind of question you didn’t know you needed answered: If you pee on an ant hill, will it kill the ants or just invite more of them?
According to people pushing this so-called “green” pest control method, human urine is an all-natural, eco-friendly way to take care of your ant problem. And technically, they’re not wrong – but there’s a pretty big catch.
Turns out, ants are really into pee. Seriously.
Human urine contains a compound called urea, and ants love the stuff. A 2019 study found they were even more drawn to it than sugar water, which is saying a lot when you’re talking about insects basically designed to find and hoard sugar.
If you march out into the backyard, drop your pants, and douse an ant hill thinking you’re going full eco-warrior exterminator, you might just be handing out invitations to an ant rave. Yes, peeing on an ant hill can actually attract more ants.
The hack can still work… but only if you’re a weirdo.
Despite those urophilic tendencies ants have, the hack itself isn’t totally off base, and there is some science behind why the idea got traction. It can work if you do it right – you just won’t want to. (And if you do want to, I’m not sure we can be friends.)
Over time, urea breaks down and turns into ammonia, which ants hate. But the key word here is time.
For the pee-to-ammonia transformation to actually kick in, it needs to ferment. And we’re probably not talking a quick 24-hour marinade. Experts say it works best if you wait at least a month.
You read that right. If you want to solve your ant problem with your own urine, you’ll need to start hoarding that urine in jars for weeks on end. (Some claim letting it ferment for a few days does the trick, but I call those people lazy with commitment issues.)
You’re still reading? Wow, you are weird.
Okay, so maybe you’re on board with the idea of storing your pee in mason jars like an insane person. If so, apparently the method really can work as a chemical-free way to rid your property of ants… or at least convince them to relocate to another part of your yard you haven’t doused in month-old piddle.
Of course, the other option is call an exterminator or buy some Borax at your local hardware store. But then you wouldn’t have those fun jars of liquid gold to use as a teaching aid when you inevitably share this tip with your friends and family. Like everything, it’s got its pros and cons.
Still not sure you’re ready to hoard your own urine?
The good news is you don’t have to decide today. But why not play it safe? Start saving a few mason jars of tepid urine while you weigh your options. Worst case: you spend the rest of your life trying in vain to shake the reputation of the weirdo who can’t part with their pee. Best case: you end up with a basement full of urine just in time for spring – and hopefully, far fewer ants!
You could even take a page out of this lady’s playbook and get your kids involved! A fun bonding activity for the whole family!
