If you’ve noticed an influx of ants in your garden, you’re probably wondering what’s causing it and How to get rid of it quickly
While these little creatures are virtually harmless (except for the rare – and very mild – bite), no one wants a colony crawling across their outdoor table while they’re trying to enjoy an al fresco dinner.
To get to the bottom of why ants are showing up in your garden and how to prevent them, we spoke to two pest control experts, who share their insights and top tips (along with products that can help) below.
How do I get rid of ants in the garden?
1. Find out what attracts them
Before you do anything, you’ll need to find out what attracts the ants in the first place, explains Daniel Steward, managing director Shield Pest Control.
There are three main things that can attract them: food, water and shelter, so think about how they will look in your garden. Do you leave your bins? Do you have any bird food on the floor? Is your outdoor tap leaking?
If you regularly eat your dinner outside (or your pets do), make sure you wipe the surface down afterwards, making sure there are no crumbs left for the ants to snack on.
2. Keep plant areas free of food sources
As we mentioned earlier, ants will be drawn to any food source in your garden – whether it’s a rotting apple fallen from a tree, a compost pile, or a slurped sugary drink.
A clever tip to keep ants away from your compost is to add some moisture to the food, as ants like it to dry out. You should also bury your kitchen scraps—especially if they’re sugary—and turn the pile regularly to discourage nesting activity.
3. Manage humidity levels
Not only are dry environments good for ants to build nests in, but they also help stabilize pheromone trails and scent marks. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to keep your garden soil evenly moist, recommends Tony King, owner of Pied Piper.
While this isn’t going to eliminate them completely, it can be a way to move them from a certain area where you don’t want them — say, the patio next to your table.
4. Try a natural deterrent
You may consider using a natural repellent such as peppermint oil to disrupt ant trails in your garden. Daniel Steward suggests applying it around patios, decking and seating areas, which can also be enclosed. Rats.
Shopping picks for ant-proofing your garden
Peppermint repellent spray
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this natural bug repellent helps keep ants, spiders and more out of your home, leaving a pleasant minty scent.
Neutralize the pheromone trails of ants by spraying this white vinegar solution on surfaces in your garden. Bonus: It can also be used for cleaning and pickling.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in business for over 25 years. Their team of professionals can help with everything from mouse infestations to snail infestations.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
How do you prevent ants in the garden?
Daniel Steward explains that the best way to deter them in your garden is to make the environment as unattractive as possible when it comes to food, water and shelter supplies.
“Simple steps such as keeping bins tightly sealed, cleaning up food spills after outdoor gatherings, removing fallen fruit and covering compost bins can make a significant difference,” he says.
“Make sure Seal cracks around wallsPatios and garden structures where ants can establish nests. Prevention is always easier than dealing with an established colony.”
We pay more attention to ants in the summer months when the colonies become active (and we’re outside too).
This ant- and weed-proof setting sand does a fantastic job of filling in all types of block paving.
When is Flying Ant Day?
Flying Ant Day is not on a specific date; It happens Between late June and mid August and peaks in late July.
“The term ‘flying and day’ is colloquially used to describe large numbers of flying ants during the summer months. Millions of these insects emerge from their respective nesting areas to perform a mass mating ritual called a nuptial flight,” explains Tony King.
“Both weather conditions and time of day influence the emergence of ants. They are most likely to emerge on warm, wet and windless days (usually late July or early August) immediately after a short rain event.”
While there are many ways to eliminate ants in your garden, it ultimately comes down to eliminating potential nesting sites, food and water sources. From September to February, they are less likely to be around.
For more expert-backed pest advice, read our guide How to get rid of snails in the garden And How to Get Rid of Chafer Grubs.
