Although small and harmless, ants are usually very annoying at certain times of the year because they invade our home, our balcony and our garden.
These little animals prefer humid environments, where there is stagnant water, which is why we usually see them especially around vases.
Fortunately, however, it is possible to keep them away with some home remedies and by following a few small precautions. Let’s see them together!
Vinegar
The first remedy that we want to offer you to keep ants away from your balconies or your garden is the use of vinegar.
Its pungent smell, in fact, has a repellent effect on these small animals .
To remedy this, simply create a solution made with half water and half vinegar , or vinegar and eucalyptus essential oil to spray in places where ants are most concentrated, such as around vases.
In addition, you can also use it to wash the balcony floor to prevent its arrival. You just have to dilute a little vinegar in water and add a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Note : Always remember not to use vinegar on marble or natural stone floors .
Bicarbonate
As an alternative to vinegar, you can also use very simple baking soda .
Then add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to half a liter of water and then pour everything into a spray bottle.
At this point, use the mixture thus obtained and spray it on the most critical points. And goodbye ants !
talcum powder
If you don’t have baking soda but want a simple and immediate remedy, you can also try talcum powder !
Although, in fact, we usually attribute this product to body care, it actually also seems to be effective in repelling ants quickly and easily.
All you have to do is spread it where you notice an excess of ants or along their path. You will notice that these will be reversed!
This remedy is also widely used in campsites, creating a kind of protective barrier .
spices
Spices are not only used to flavor our dishes or to perfume our home, but also to “ protect us ” from insects!
It is good to know, in fact, that ants are intolerant to all strong odors, such as cinnamon, pepper , hot pepper , etc.
That is why we advise you to place some of these spices in strategic points, or around vases, on the balcony in general or in the garden.
You can, for example, fill bags and hang them or place them near the points where ants are most present.
You will notice that they will stay away because they will not tolerate the pungent smell.
Café
While most of us love the aroma of coffee, it doesn’t seem to have the same effect on mosquitoes. In fact, some substances contained in coffee grounds , such as caffeine and diterpenes, are true natural insecticides .
You just have to sprinkle them in powder form in those places where ants are most present or put them in small bowls or piles , to amplify the smell.
You can use both coffee beans and coffee grounds; Furthermore, if we put the coffee in a bowl and burn it, the strong smell it gives off will also help us scare away the wasps .
mint and bay leaf
Even some grasses are not well tolerated by intruding ants. Among these we remember mint and laurel , excellent repellents for ants and also other insects.
All you need to do is place some leaves where you’ve seen these unwanted guests and you’re done!
Other useful tips
Once we have seen some natural ingredients to use to keep ants away from our balconies and gardens, let’s see together some tricks to prevent their appearance.
First of all, it is important to always properly clean the outdoor spaces of our home, such as the patio, garden and balcony, to eliminate all traces of food.
Ants, in fact, are omnivores and especially like sugary substances. Frequent and proper cleaning , therefore, will help keep ants away as much as possible.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid standing water, especially around vases and in the garden, as ants love humid environments.
Warnings
In the event of a large dispersal of ants, consider consulting a specialist to understand the causes and act in the most appropriate way.