With ants at their most active at this time of year, we’re all at risk of infestations in our homes and gardens.
Although the insects are generally found under paths and paving slabs or in wood or under rocks outdoors, it is not uncommon to discover their nests in walls and fireplaces indoors too. Whilst many Brits swear by baking soda to kill off the pests, others have found it ineffective.
While baking soda can be a great way to ward off creepy crawlies, it won’t attract all the insects or be carried back to the nest, meaning it won’t fix your ant problem for good, according to Patio and Decking expert, Simon Wardle.
Wardle, of Armstrong Cheshire, explained: “Many nests are hidden under paved patios, in cracks of decking, or in hard-to-reach places. So you need to find a way to get the poison to their nests, to kill off the entire colony. My solution is to mix baking powder and sugar – which have similar look and texture – to attract the ants and then finish off the nest.”
He said this solution works best because ants are drawn to sweet substances like icing sugar, and once they take the sugary treat back to the nest, the whole colony will consume the baking soda – killing all the bugs.
Thankfully, Wardle says making the deterrent is a “piece of cake.” He continued: “Start by combining baking soda and icing sugar, half and half, in a small bowl, ensuring they’re thoroughly mixed. Sprinkle decent amounts along ant trails, near entry points, and over patios and decking.”
“Be patient,” he warned, as it might take a few days for the ant population to significantly decrease. “Keep topping up when the levels of the mixture go down,” he adds.
Of course, prevention is better than the cure and there are a number of measures you can take to help prevent ants from setting up camp in unwanted locations. “Clean up,” Simon simply suggests. “Regularly clean up crumbs and spills to discourage ants from visiting your kitchen in the first place.”
Wardle added two more tips to keep ants away from your property. “Seal entry points – find and seal any cracks in your patio or crevices where ants might be entering your home,” he added
“If ants are coming in from outside, consider creating a barrier of baking soda and sugar around your decking or patio.”
