Proven tips to banish ants from your garden for under £1

Ants can benefit the garden, helping to aerate the soil and decompose organic matter. However, their excessive activity can destroy plants.

The presence of ants also promotes the proliferation of aphids, which live in symbiosis. Aphids produce sweet nectar (honeydew), which attracts ants. In turn, ants protect aphids from predators such as ladybirds, which can lead to more severe problems in the garden. So, how do you effectively get rid of ants in the garden? Try our proven methods.

How can you get rid of ants easily? Baking soda is a home method that won't damage crops and doesn't require a large financial investment. Pour the entire package into the nest, and after 15 minutes, pour boiling water over it. The effect will exceed your wildest expectations, and the ants will "evaporate" for many months.

Another simple mixture will also help against ants. Mix half a teaspoon of eco-friendly dish soap with a tablespoon of oil and a litre of water. Then, pour the resulting mixture into a spray bottle. Use it on the insects, and you will quickly see a difference.

It is also worth trying other natural methods, which will cost you very little. Here are some effective tricks to get rid of ants:

• Garlic brew: Crush ten garlic cloves, put them in a large pot, and pour hot water over them. After 10 minutes, boil the mixture and pour the ready brew into the nest and its surroundings.
• Cinnamon or ground coffee: Sprinkle or ground coffee grounds on vegetable beds. The scent of these spices will discourage ants from visiting these places.
• Ant-repelling plants: Planting plants such as mint, lavender, thyme, marjoram, or basil in the garden can effectively repel ants.