C.N.
I use ground cinnamon to stop ants. Insects breathe through holes in their sides called spiracles. Any fine powder (cinnamon, sage, talc, chalk, cornstarch) will stick to them and occlude the spiracles, causing them to suffocate. Cinnamon is harmless if kids or pets get into it, and it smells good. I keep bowls of kibble under my carport for the outside cats. I was constantly having to throw it out because ants were getting into it. I started sprinkling a ring of ground cinnamon around the bowls, and had no more ants.