BUTTERFLIES, bees and other wildlife in the garden are a joy for many.
But they are less enjoyable when they find their way into our homes – particularly in the case of ants.
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Hannah Rowson, Assistant Garden Centre Manager at J. Parker’s spoke exclusively to Fabulous, about the best way to deter them from your house.
Hannah said: “Usually, I wouldn’t consider ants pests in the garden because of their vital role in the ecosystem.
“Ants aerate and fertilise the soil, as well as control other pest populations by preying on plant-eating insects.
“But they can be a nuisance when they get into your home, and they can encourage other pests like aphids.”
As for why these annoying insects want to come inside your home, Hannah explained: “Ants may try to find their way into your home in search of food and water.
“They aren’t fussy when it comes to what foods they are attracted to. Any fruit, crumbs, or pet food left out can encourage them inside.”
How to deter ants
According to Hannah, there are several pocket-friendly and wildlife-friendly alternative to pest killers.
Essential oils
“I recommend using a strong-smelling lavender or peppermint oil to deter them,” Hannah said.
“Dilute 10–15 drops of either lavender oil or peppermint oil with a cup of water to create your ant-repellent spray solution.
“Apply the spray to entry points around your house or patio, focusing on areas like windowsills, door frames, or any other cracks and crevices.
“Continue to top up the essential oil spray every few days or when the scent fades, as it does tend to evaporate quickly.”
Essential oils can be bought for as little as £2.
They are a natural and non-toxic solution when used properly.
Not only will your garden smell great, but the strong aromas are unpleasant to ants and will stop them from entering treated areas.
Although most essential oils are natural and shouldn’t harm beneficial insects like bees or ladybirds, it is important to properly dilute the oils, spot test, and use them sparingly to protect your plants.
Fragrant plants
She continued: “To deter ants naturally, consider planting strongly scented herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and basil near potential entry points like garden borders, doors, or patios.
“These aromatic plants emit scents that repel ants and will prevent them from entering your home.”
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Fruit scraps
“Alternatively, citrus peels and essential oils are other natural remedies that can be used to deter ants,” the gardener said.
“However, it is important to remember that citrus peels can attract pests, such as fruit flies, slugs, and snails, so they will need to be replaced often for the best results.”
Hannah also shared what can be done if ants start to build nests in plant pots.
She explained: “If they get into a plant pot and build a nest, remove it and repot your plant.
“If they get into your compost heap, make sure to keep turning it!
“That will disturb the nest enough so that they won’t wont be able to build the nest properly and they’ll move on to somewhere else.”
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.