The easy homemade mixture that keeps pesky ants at bay in your home AND garden and the secret spot you need to spray

The Sun

18-06-2025

THE WEATHER is finally perfect for relaxing in your garden with a cold drink, but the ambience could easily be ruined by some unexpected guests.
Not your neighbours popping round, but pesky ants who can take over your outdoor area during the hot summer months.
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In fact, in the UK, the ant is the most common insect, so it's no surprise they seem to be just about everywhere, especially when the sun comes out.
They're drawn to areas with moisture and food, which is why they're in gardens on the hunt for their next feast.
But don't worry - you don't have to break the bank to keep the creepy crawlies at bay.
Removing leaves, flowers and twigs is a must for gardeners keen to keep their space ant-free.
Getting rid of these three things alone will make your space less attractive to ants.
And although it may take a bit of work to get the job done, it will all be worth knowing you can put your feet up in peace afterwards.
Gardening pro James Higgins at Grass247, recently revealed how garden fans can banish ants without harming them - and removing these three things from your garden is a must.
He told the Mirror: 'Ants are attracted to dead organic waste in our gardens, such as leaves, flowers and even twigs.'
Ants, as pesky as they may be, don't technically damage plants but can potentially damage the roots in pots, as well as cause havoc on lawns, the Royal Horticultural Society noted.
This is why it's important to ditch organic waste to deter them in the first place.
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Plus, you get the added bonus of having a spick and span garden just in time for summer.
'So, if you've been doing any gardening, make sure you clean up any lingering waste and place it in a secure area, such as your garden waste bin or your garden compost,' the gardening whizz added.
More tricks to keep ants out
Ideally, you should deal with ants when they're still in your garden and not your home, Steven Walley, patio and paving expert from London Stone, told Express.co.uk.
The signs could be small piles of sand or dirt around your patio slabs or pavement.
Where these dirt piles are usually mean there's a nest nearby, so starting off with any treatments in these spots is the best course of action.
Simply mix one part vinegar and three parts of water together and pour or spray it on any areas you suspect ants could be living.
"If your garden patio is near the entryway of your home, don't forget to spray the solution on entry points such as window sills and backdoors, to deter them from coming inside," the pro said.
Repeat this process once a week and the ants should naturally move on from your garden and home.
Once the ant problem is dealt with it's also important to keep them from coming back.
One way to do this, according to Steven, is the keep standing water, household bins and compost bins as far from your home as possible, since they're attracted to all three.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.