It can help prevent a common problem that gardeners face in summer
Households are being told to spray vinegar in their gardens this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Households across the UK are being urged to spray vinegar in their gardens this week to tackle a common summer problem. The warm weather that we’re experiencing can make ants more active, and they will often leave their nest to search gardens for food and water.
As ants are attracted to dark, warm spaces, they can then easily find their way inside our homes looking for access to sugary foods to take back to the colony.
People are now being told how to prevent a summer ant invasion as the insects come above ground to escape the heatwave. Garden experts at LightingLegends.com have shared five simple tips that households can follow to deter ants from their gardens.
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They explain that while some ants can be beneficial to gardens, others can become a nuisance when they nest where they are not wanted.
“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,” said Jon Saeed, co-founder of LightingLegends.com.
“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 stone or outdoor lighting fixtures will help prevent them from settling.”
Ants will search gardens for food and water during warm weather(Image: Getty Images)
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.
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