Gardeners struggling with ants invading lawns, patios, and flowerbeds may find an unexpected solution in their kitchen cupboards. A viral social media tip claims that a common household spice, costing as little as 66p, can send ants scrambling away from gardens.
TikTok Demonstrates Clove Power
The advice comes from TikTok creator Anne Caserta, who posted a video showing ants rapidly retreating after cloves were scattered near their nest. In the clip, she states: "Ants can't stand the smell of cloves, so guess what? They run from it." Anne noted that the spice even prompted the queen ant to emerge, seemingly directing the colony to move away. "She's telling them to stay away," the influencer added.
Science Behind the Spice
Cloves contain eugenol, a potent aromatic compound known for natural insect-repelling properties. Gardeners' World notes that strongly scented herbs and spices are sometimes used as natural deterrents because ants rely heavily on scent trails for navigation. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) confirms that while ants are generally harmless in gardens, large nests can be problematic in lawns, pots, and paving. Disrupting scent trails may help reduce ant activity in specific areas.
Research published by the National Library of Medicine has examined clove oil's insecticidal and repellent effects against various household pests. Scientists found that compounds in cloves can disrupt insects' behavior and sensory systems.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Budget supermarket jars of ground cloves are often available for around 66p, making this trick significantly cheaper than many commercial ant repellents, which can exceed £5 depending on the brand and type. Gardening specialists advise using natural deterrents carefully around pets and avoiding excessive application on delicate plants or newly seeded lawns. The RSPCA also recommends using essential oils and potent plant compounds safely in the presence of animals.
Viewers quickly praised the tip in comments. One wrote: "Yup, and if you put clove oil on your shoes keeps them off of you." Another responded: "I'm willing to give it a try." A third user remarked: "Who knew cloves would do that. You're teaching me something new everyday." Meanwhile, another simply posted: "Wow, thank you for sharing."
