Ants often prove to be a hassle as the weather begins to heat up, but you could keep them at bay using some affordable and effective ingredients from your kitchen.

It's not uncommon for people to opt for pesticides when these pesky creatures make an appearance, however, such solutions don't come cheap and could also pose a danger if you have pets or youngsters in the house.

Ahmed Mezil, a cleaning specialist from Hella Maid, has shared that there exist numerous natural elements which can effectively vanquish ants without the necessity for harmful toxins.

He stated: "Chemical pesticides might potentially pollute groundwater and kill butterflies, bees, and other important insects when used to get rid of ants."

Instead, you can try these natural remedies to get free of ants in your house and garden - and bonus points, they're less harmful to the environment, you, your family, and your pets", reports the Express.

Ways to naturally drive out ants from your home

Ants are eating onion on the kitchen tile floor.
There are three ingredients you can use

Many commonly recommended natural antidotes to ward off ants can be found online such as white vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon or black pepper.

These methods act as successful repellents due to their potent odours which befuddle ant scent trails, making it harder for them to trace routes and thereby reducing their likelihood of lingering in that area.

However, these natural remedies are only a temporary fix as they won't kill ants or stop a major infestation. It's far more effective to use baking soda or baby powder to banish ants from your home.

Ahmed shared: "Both baking soda and baby powder suffocate ants by blocking their spiracles, which are breathing pores in their exoskeletons. Baking soda will cause an internal chemical reaction in the ant that will kill it if it is consumed."

Ants require moisture to live, and both baking powder and baby powder absorb moisture rapidly, causing the ants to dehydrate.

Simply sprinkle baking soda or baby powder where you've noticed significant ant activity, or directly onto an anthill or nest if you're aware of its location just be cautious around grass as it can dry out the soil.

You can also create a barrier with the powder inside your home, such as across a doorway where ants are entering.

Yet, the most effective method for permanently eliminating ants involves mixing either baking powder or baby powder with powdered icing sugar. The sugar serves as bait, tricking the ants into thinking it's food, thus making them easier to eliminate.

Ahmed added: "Ants will be drawn to the sugar, consume it, and then carry it back to the nest so that other ants can consume it as well. They'll eat the sugar and baking soda and die."

This natural method is safe to use around children and pets while being one of the most effective ways to keep ants out of your home for good.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.