B&M's £1 pantry staple will banish flying ants from home – as ‘tens of millions' of insects to swarm UK in just DAYS
This handy hack offers a low-cost, toxin free way of keeping the pesky insects away ahead of pest control experts' warnings.
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Ground pepper can be used to deter ants from your home and is available for £1 at B&M.
A study from Vanderbilt University says that ants have 400 smell receptors which allow them not only to smell their immediate surroundings, but also play a role in their communication and navigation.
That is why putting down strong scents like pepper can help to deter them, as it will overload their receptors.
Cheap trick to keep your home pest free
There are a couple of different ways that you can use the pepper deterrent.
The easiest is to simply sprinkle it in areas where you typically see ants in your home.
However, you can also use it to mix up a makeshift bug spray, offering a cheaper alternative to forking out on insect repellent.
By mixing one measure of pepper to ten measures of water you will create a spray which can then be used throughout your home.
A Texas A&M University showed that water with pepper is more likely to kill ants than water alone.
Where to spray the ingredient in your home
However, be careful not to spray it near where your pets might be, as it could cause irritation to their respiratory system or cause an upset stomach.
Pest control experts are anti a significant surge in flying ant activity this year, as a result of the ideal combination of altering wet and warm weather.
Biggest flying ant day in recent memory
This summer's particularly high humidity is perfect for swarming.
Experts have suggested that year's Flying Ant Day - the annual mating flight where millions fill the skies in synchronised displays - could be one of the biggest in recent years.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, told Manchester Evening News: 'While flying ants may disrupt your picnic, barbeque, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem.'
He added: "This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years."
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
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