Horticultural specialists Thompson and Morgan caution that chemical ant killers “only work if you apply them while also destroying the entire nest. This could extend a long way underground and cause major upheaval to your garden”. However, one domestic and garden expert has revealed the finest non-toxic method to repel ants and other troublesome insects, utilising a bathroom essential. Molly Miller, also known as @therenegadehome on Instagram, said using a bar of soap is the most effective way to eliminate ants in your flower bed.
She said: “The best non-toxic waste to keep bugs away. Use an old cheese grater to grate up a bar of Irish Spring soap, then sprinkle it through your flower beds to keep pests out.
“You can even use the bar itself to drag along your door frames to deter bugs from entering.”
The Irish Spring soap contains pest-deterring citrus fragrances and picaridin. The aroma makes it difficult for pests to locate your plants and colonise them.
Ants are deterred by strong, sharp odours, including natural ingredients such as vinegar, citrus, and peppermint. Another trick she recommended is to use cinnamon.
Molly added: “Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon around your deck and patio to deter ants and bees. I even like to mix it with water and then spray down the areas where we spend the most time.”
According to Diamond Pest Control, to drive ants out of your garden, you should sprinkle cinnamon along their trails. You can also apply cinnamon to the spots where they appear, such as cracks and crevices.
They added: “There are two reasons why this is works. To start with, it’s theorised that ants cannot tolerate the smell of cinnamon.
“Second, when ants inhale this spice, then this causes them to suffocate. When it comes to spices, turmeric is also said to repel ants from your house in spring or indeed at any other time of year.”
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