It seems we’ve switched languages! But don’t worry, the “rice trick” against ants is a true classic among home remedies—even if it doesn’t work quite as “explosively” as some internet myths claim.

Here’s the explanation of why rice (especially white rice) is such an effective way to get rid of ant trails without resorting to harsh chemicals:

🍚 How the rice trick works
Contrary to popular belief, rice doesn’t make the ants “explode.” The real reason is much more subtle and clever:

Dehumidification: Ants carry rice grains into their nest because they consider them a valuable food source. However, rice is extremely dry and absorbs moisture from the nest.

Fungus killer: Many ant species feed on a special fungus that they cultivate in their nest. The rice deprives this fungus of its food source (moisture) or leads to the formation of molds that are toxic to the ant colony.

The queen leaves the nest: Once the food source (the fungus) in the nest is destroyed, the nest becomes unstable, and the ants move on, along with the queen.

🛠️ How to use the trick
For it to work, you need to proceed strategically:

Use uncooked, white rice: It must be dry to absorb moisture. It’s best to lightly crush the grains in a mortar or blender (not into flour, but into small pieces) so the ants can carry them more easily.

Place the rice on the ant trail: Scatter small piles directly where the ants are walking or near the entrance to the nest.

Patience is required: Even though the headline promises “a few minutes,” the ants need a few hours to collect the rice, and it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the nest to be actually abandoned.

💡 Pro tips for even faster results

If you really want to get rid of the ants immediately (since they sometimes ignore rice), combine the trick with scents:

Cinnamon or coffee grounds: Ants hate these strong smells. They disrupt the pheromone trail, so the ants can no longer find their way.

Lemon juice: Wipe the affected areas with vinegar or lemon juice to immediately eliminate the “scent trail.”

A little reality check: The rice trick is great for gently encouraging a colony to relocate. However, if you have a massive infestation in your house, it’s important to also eliminate the source (open sugar packets, crumbs under the stove).

Did you find the ants more often in the kitchen or outside on the patio?