The UK is bracing itself for another heatwave, with temperatures threatening to nudge past 30C in certain parts of the country next week. Warmer conditions tend to draw people outdoors to soak up the sun — but unfortunately, we’re not the only ones making the most of it.
Hotter weather also brings with it a surge in ant activity. Once ants have made their way into your home, they can prove remarkably difficult to shift.
They navigate using scent trails, and once they’ve located a food source, they’ll return time and time again.
While most homeowners tend to reach for chemical sprays or powders, there’s an alternative approach that can disrupt ants’ scent trails and discourage them from settling in your home.
Baby powder could be the key to keeping ants at bay without the need for specialist products.
View 3 ImagesAnts can be tricky to get rid of(Image: Getty)
Glen Peskett, a DIY expert from Saxton Blades Multi Tools, explained: “Ants follow scent trails, so when one finds food, it leaves a kind of path for the rest of the colony.”
“The idea with baby powder is that it can mess with those trails and make it harder for them to keep finding their way back. It is not going to wipe them out or deal with a big infestation, but some people find it helps cut down what they are seeing in certain spots.”
He described it as “one of those old-school hacks that keeps doing the rounds every summer” — but insisted it can genuinely help.
Simply sprinkle baby powder lightly around suspected entry points such as window frames, skirting boards and doorsteps.
View 3 ImagesThis ‘old-school’ hack can help keep ants out of your home(Image: Getty)
This creates both a physical and aromatic barrier that leaves ants thoroughly confused. The most effective way to maintain an ant-free home is to keep your property as clean as you can.
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Ants are attracted to food, so be sure to clear up spills straight away and empty the bins frequently.
He also suggests avoiding leaving pet food out in bowls and keeping sugary items in sealed containers to prevent ants getting in.