Britons across the country will be welcoming the warm weather, but with hotter days comes new challenges for homeowners.
Many people will notice an influx of ants in their homes from now through the summer. Luckily, experts have shared how to deter the pests.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Ant season tends to start late spring and reaches a peak through June to August. Like us, ants love the warmer weather, and with the sunny weather set to continue, Britons can expect to see more ant activity in their gardens and homes.
“There are natural ways to deter the insects without harming them, which will discourage ants from entering your home and creating scent trails.
Ants can end up indoors in the summer months
GETTY“Try sprinkling chilli powder or spraying vinegar around entry points. Ants dislike the strong scents, and it disrupts their trails, making it harder to find food.
“In the garden, plant mint and lavender. These act as a natural barrier and will leave your outside space smelling lovely. You could also pot them and place them at entry points, including doors, sheds and summerhouses.”
The experts listed a number of cupboard staples you can repurpose to protect your property from ants.
Vinegar
The experts said: "Ants don’t like the strong smell of vinegar. It disrupts scent trails, making it harder to find food and their way back to their colony. Spray around entry points and where they’re most visible."
Chalk
They added: "The calcium carbonate in chalk can mask scent trails. This won’t get rid of the ants, but it will confuse them and cause them to look for other paths."
Coffee grounds
"Ants don’t like the smell and acidity of coffee grounds, and they don’t like the feeling of them underfoot," the experts advised. "Create a barrier by sprinkling them around entry points and replace regularly. Once they dry, they become less effective."
Lemon juice
They recommended: "Lemon juice is another effective natural deterrent. Dilute with water and spray at entry points and where you see ant trails. You can use lemon juice to clean floors and work surfaces to deter them from returning."
Cinnamon
"Cinnamon has a strong scent which ants hate. Try sprinkling at entry points or create a spray with cinnamon oil and water."
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Cinnamon is one way to deter the pests
GETTYMint
"Try growing mint plants near entry points to deter ants, create a spray with peppermint oil and water to use where ants are a problem and scatter chopped leaves where ants are active."
Tea tree oil
The experts said: "Tea tree oil is another scent which repels ants. Soak cotton wool balls in the oil and place them around entry points. Alternatively, create a spray to stop them from entering your home."
Chilli powder
"As well as disliking the smell of chilli powder, it can also irritate the ants’ skin, making it a good deterrent. Either sprinkle the powder or create a spray. However, be careful with this if you have children or pets. Chilli powder on little hands or paws can lead to problems."
Lavender
"Lavender is another fragrant plant which can repel ants. Planting in your garden will create a natural barrier, place potted lavender near outdoor seating or other problem areas or make a spray with lavender oil and water."
