As summer approaches, many Britons are preparing for picnics and barbecues, but the season also brings an influx of ants seeking food. These insects can quickly become a nuisance, especially when they invade homes and gardens. However, a simple household ingredient—baking soda—may offer a solution without the need for chemical sprays.
Household expert Heather Dessinger, founder of Mommy Potamus, recommends a mixture of equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar. The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda kills them. 'Mix one part sugar with one part baking soda and then place your mixture in shallow lids wherever you see ants,' she advises.
Baking soda works by reacting with the acids and moisture inside an ant's digestive system, causing gas to build up and ultimately killing the insect. When combined with sugar, ants carry the mixture back to their colony, where it can destroy the nest entirely.
To use this method, simply combine equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small bowl. Place the blend on shallow lids, bottle caps, or pieces of cardboard near ant trails or entry points, such as the front door. Within a day or two, the ants should stop appearing in the treated area.
This natural repellent is safe for use around children and pets, though large quantities of baking soda can be harmful, so care should be taken to prevent ingestion. It offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides, allowing families to enjoy the outdoors without worry.
