If you've noticed an influx of ants in your garden, you're probably wondering what caused it and how to get rid of them pronto.
While these tiny creatures are virtually harmless (aside from 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 appearing in your garden and how to prevent them, we spoke with two pest control experts, who have shared their insights and top tips below (along with products that may help).
How do I get rid of ants in the garden?
1. Find out what's attracting them
Before you do anything, you'll need to work out what's attracting the ants in the first place, explains Daniel Steward, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control.
There are three main things that could be luring them in: food, water and shelter, so have a think about what that could look like in your garden. Do you leave your bins out? Do you have any spilled bird food on the floor? Is your outdoor tap leaking?
If you regularly eat your dinner outdoors (or your pets do), make sure you're cleaning the surfaces down afterwards, ensuring that no crumbs are left behind for the ants to snack on.
2. Keep plant areas free from food sources
As we previously mentioned, ants will be drawn to any food sources in your garden – whether that's a rotting apple fallen from a tree, a compost heap or spilled sugary drinks.
A clever tip for keeping ants out of your compost is by adding a little moisture to the food, as ants prefer it dry. You should also bury your kitchen scraps – particularly if they are sugary – and turn the pile regularly to deter nesting activity.
3. Manage moisture levels
Not only are dry environments better for ants to nest in, but they also help pheromone trails and scent marks remain stable. With that in mind, it's a good idea to keep your garden soil evenly moist, recommends Tony King, Owner of The Pied Piper.
While this isn't going to eliminate them completely, it can be a way of moving them from a particular area you don't want them in – say, the patio by your table.
4. Try a natural deterrent
You may want to consider using a natural deterrent in your garden, such as peppermint oil, to disrupt the ants' trails. Daniel Steward suggests applying it around patios, decking and seating areas, which may also put off rats.
Shopping picks to ant-proof your garden
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this natural bug repellent helps banish ants, spiders, and more from your home, leaving behind a pleasant minty scent.
Neutralise the ants’ pheromone trails 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 operation for more than 25 years. His team of professionals can help eliminate everything from mouse infestations to slug intrusions.
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 prevent them in your garden is to make the environment as unattractive as possible when it comes to food, water and shelter supplies.
"Simple measures such as keeping bins tightly sealed, cleaning up food and drink spillages after outdoor gatherings, removing fallen fruit and covering compost bins can make a significant difference," he says.
"Make sure to seal cracks around walls, patios and garden structures where ants may establish nests. Prevention is always easier than dealing with an established colony."
We tend to notice ants more in the summer months when the colonies become active (and we are also outside).
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 isn’t on a specific date; it occurs between late June and mid-August and peaks in late July.
"The term 'Flying Ant Day' has been used colloquially to describe the large number of flying ants that appear during the summer months. Millions of these insects emerge from their respective nest areas to perform a mass mating ritual called a nuptial flight," explains Tony King.
"Both the weather conditions and time of day influence the emergence of the ants. They are most likely to emerge on warm, wet and wind-free days (usually late in July or early August) shortly after a short-term rain event."
While there are a number of ways to eliminate ants in your garden, it ultimately comes down to removing potential nesting spots, food and water sources. From September to February, they are less likely to be around.
For more expert-backed pest advice, read our guide on how to get rid of slugs in the garden and how to get rid of chafer grubs.
