As the warmer weather has finally hit the UK prepares Brits are venturing into their gardens to enjoy the scorching temperatures.
Unfortunately, pesky insects, especially ants, can quickly put a downer on the summer vibes and make the outdoor sanctuary a misery - and it's only a matter of time before they venture indoors.
Many people will find that they've used a variety of products from high-street retailers to no avail - but an expert has suggested that they might not have been using the appropriate ingredients.
Shield Pest Control has shared a variety of effective methods that work wonders at banishing the irritating insects. And better yet, the ingredients for the nifty hack are most likely found in the back of your kitchen cupboard.
To start, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control, Daniel Steward, advised sufferers of ants to start by using white vinegar.
If you're struggling to find white vinegar at the back of your kitchen drawer, then you can purchase a bottle at Tesco for 29p, averaging at just 5p per 100ml.
People should start by wiping the surfaces of the affected area with a solution of white vinegar and water as ants will completely avoid the treatment.
Daniel told the Mirror: "Ants hate the smell of white vinegar. Vinegar will literally stop ants from marching into your house as soon as they smell it. Alongside this, vinegar also disrupts pheromone trails that guide ants to their colony and to sources of food.
"Vinegar will disorient indoor ants to such an extent they won’t come back to your house! They will be so frustrated and scared that they will find someone else to hassle."
Alternatively, the pest control expert advises people to use boiling water where possible.
You can easily banish ants by pouring boiling water into an ant hill, hole, or nest near your home. While the water won't destroy the entire colony, it will disrupt them.
This disruption will prompt the ants to move away from your home and relocate elsewhere.
On the other hand, dish soap can work as an effective and convenient method to get rid of ants.
Daniel explained: "Squeeze the same liquid detergent you use for your dirty dishes into a spray bottle with water. Spray the liquid soap anywhere you have seen ants, or think they may be drawn to.
"The liquid will leave a light residue that ants will be unable to walk across," he added.
The pest control expert says it's vital that you disrupted the "scented pheromone trait" to stop ants wandering inside.
The insects are attracted to smells, so it's vital that you interrupt their trail as quickly as possible. Without a scent trail, the ants will not be able to bring their colony into your house.
Thankfully, the above removes will adequately erase and instantly destroy the pheromone trail.
Daniel says that food left around the house, especially pet food, attracts ants as it's a safe haven for their colonies.
The expert advises that you remove all pet food once your animal has eaten it. In addition, you should keep all regular food stores away as ants will continue to return if there is exposed food in your house.
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