Gardening pro Alan Titchmarsh has revealed his expert advice for keeping ants at bay, particularly from your compost heap.
Ants can be a real nuisance in the garden and even find their way into your home, but there are effective strategies to deter them from setting up shop in your compost.
In an informative clip by Gardeners World, the esteemed horticulturist Alan Titchmarsh imparts his wisdom on preventing ant infestations in compost heaps.
He explains: “What ants like are cool, dry conditions which is why you often find them in the lawn.
“So as far as your compost heap goes, if you bear to mix it up every now and again that will disturb the ants, it will bring the eggs to the surface, birds will come in and feed on them.”
Titchmarsh also suggests that ants prefer drier environments, so watering your compost heap can act as a deterrent, adding that covering the heap helps increase the temperature.
“Ants are not going to like it if it’s too hot, so hot, moist and mixed, they’re the best ways of making sure you don’t get ants in your compost heap,” he explained.
For those looking to rid their gardens and homes of ants, Gardeners World recommends concocting a spray made of peppermint or lavender oil mixed with water, targeting common entry points such as windowsills and door frames.
If you find ants nesting in a plant pot, experts recommend regular watering without drowning the plant.
This will encourage the ants to relocate their nest elsewhere.
Experts also discourage the use of insecticides, urging gardeners to adopt more humane methods of ant removal, given their crucial role in the garden ecosystem.
