Households across the UK are being urged to spray vinegar in their gardens this week to tackle a common summer problem. The warm weather can make ants more active, and they often leave their nests to search gardens for food and water. As ants are attracted to dark, warm spaces, they can easily find their way inside homes looking for sugary foods to take back to the colony.
Expert Advice on Deterring Ants
Garden experts at LightingLegends.com have shared five simple tips to deter ants from gardens. Jon Saeed, co-founder of LightingLegends.com, explains: "During hot summers, ants become more active as they search for food and water to take back to their colonies, and it can be a nuisance when they appear in the garden and build nests that can often ruin lawns."
"To keep them at bay, you need to remove what they are searching for, including food sources such as waste and fallen fruit, as well as potential places for them to build nests. Ants typically prefer dark, hidden areas that are warm and sheltered so you’ll want to eliminate these spots in the garden. Sealing dark corners, such as gaps in wonky paving stones or outdoor lighting fixtures, will help prevent them from settling."
Five Ways to Keep Ants Out of the Garden This Summer
Use Vinegar Spray
"Spraying vinegar onto areas where ants are likely to be can help deter activity and reduce the likelihood of nests becoming established, which can help protect lawns," advises Jon.
Pick Up Fallen Fruit from Trees
"Fallen fruit can attract ants due to its natural sugar content. At this time of year, fruit begins to drop more frequently, so regularly removing any fruit from the ground will reduce potential food sources and help limit pest activity," he says.
Seal Lighting Fixtures
"Ants are attracted to warm, dark spaces, which can make lighting fixtures an appealing place to start a nest. Keeping fixtures well sealed, or covered when not in use, can help prevent unwanted visitors from making themselves at home," says Jon.
Ensure Bins Aren’t Overflowing
"Overflowing food waste bins can attract a range of pests, including ants. Keeping bins clean, securely closed, and free from overflowing food waste will help reduce potential food sources which attract pests," Jon explains.
Fix Wonky Paving Stones
"Gaps between paving stones are usually warm and dark, providing the ideal conditions for ants. These spaces also stay relatively dry and are protected from heavy rainfall. Repairing any loose paving will make the area much less attractive to ants," he says.
