Many of us are getting our picnic blankets out or the barbecue fired up now that the sun is out, but the biggest downside of the warm weather is the increase in ants. Ants begin their reproductive season in late spring, which means these pests are now beginning to leave their nest to forage for more food.
Not only are your picnic sandwiches or barbecue salads more likely to become covered in ants, but they will also make their way into homes, especially if you have houseplants near any windows. Ants are drawn to food but also moisture, so will find any plants with damp soil very tempting to take shelter in.
However, there is a simple way to deter ants without killing them according to one expert at Positive Pest who has suggested using lemons as a pest deterrent.
They said: “To avoid ant nests from forming in houseplants, you can add lemon juice or rinds or any citrus fruit to the pot. “
It may sound bizarre, but ants have very sensitive smell receptors so the sharp scent of lemon juice will be uncomfortable for them and will disrupt their scent trails which will unsettle them.
Lemon juice is also acidic which can hurt ants if they touch it, so they will be reluctant to cross or move around it.
The expert added: “The smell of lemons and citrus will cause irritation to ants and redirect them out of your home. Additionally, the lemon and citrus scents will also mask the pheromone trail to your home and hopefully prevent further infestations in the future.”
How to use lemon juice and citrus peels to keep ants away
If you can, peel and juice fresh lemons as the scent will be much more potent. Then, place the lemon juice in a spray bottle then spray it around houseplants, bins, kitchen cupboards, fruit bowls and anywhere else ants are likely to nest.
Place the citrus peels around potential entryways like windowsills, doorways and skirting boards.
You can also soak cotton balls in lemon juice to leave them around your home or use outside to keep ants away from picnics and barbecues.
Change the lemon deterrents every week or after cleaning as the fresher they are, the more likely they will keep ants away.
White vinegar is just as potent as lemon juice and you can use it instead if you wish, but bear in mind vinegar has a more unpleasant smell which you may not like in your home.
Not only lemon juice a natural way to keep ants away but it will make you home smell fresh and zesty so you can enjoy the sun without worrying about these annoying little foragers.
