The issue with ants is there is never just one, which makes them tricky to try and remove from your home – but there are three cupboard ingredients that can help deter them naturally without the need to use any chemicals
Ants are a pain for anyone, but there are some natural ways you can banish them from your home.
As the weather gets warmer, ants will start to venture into our space searching for water and food, and you know as soon as you spot one, there is a whole army nearby.
While chemicals are usually the solution to the invasion, many people have been opting for more natural remedies, and not only will they reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, but they can even be a better solution long term.
The three ingredients are items you may already have in your cupboards.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a popular choice due to its strong and acidic properties according to The Express. In order to use, homeowners can mix equal parts of vinegar and water to spray along ant trails and entry points where ants are found. The strong smell and acetic acid work to “disrupt” the ants’ scent trails – and it makes it difficult for them to then navigate and communicate. You can buy a bottle of vinegar for as little as 40p from Sainsbury’s.
Lemon and essential oils
Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree and lavender, as well as lemon juice work well to deter ants from their strong scents, which like vinegar, throw them off their trails.
These oils also have natural insecticide properties and when mixed with water, can help deter ants away. Another top tip is to soak cotton balls in the oils and put near known ant entry points and these easy DIY tricks will keep your home smelling nice as well – just remember to freshen up the cotton wool balls every few days to keep them strong smelling. You can buy lemon juice for 75p from Waitrose.
Cinnamon
Not only do ants hate the strong smell of cinnamon, but they also despise the abrasive texture. It’s a great natural barrier and can make a home smell nice too. Homeowners can sprinkle it along known ant trails, entry points and areas where they are found, and can help to deter them away. You can buy cinnamon for £1 from Asda.
Another easy and cheap way to banish ants is by using talcum powder. The beauty staple costs just £1.75 from Poundland and it works wonders in banishing ants from your home easily. Talc is effective as the powder deters ants as it breaks their pheromone trail. The powder then gets absorbed by their skin, which will then clog up their airways.
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