Spring is here, the sun is out, flowers are finally starting to bloom, bbqs are being planned and the ants are back, hunting for food. They do appear cute, but an ant infestation is never a pretty sight - but it's a common one.

But ants are extremely reliant on their sense of smell, they use it for communication and navigation - a pivotal role in their lifestyle and strong scents in the air can interfere greatly with their ability to behave and work.

Just like some plants can scare off slugs and snails, certain herbs can naturally deter the little intruders. The key is knowing which ones to use - and we’re going to delve into the herbs you need to add to your home.

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Basil

Basil’s strong aromatic oils, like eugenol and linalool, give off a scent that ants can’t stand. You can grow basil in the garden - ideally where you’ve spotted ants or bring it inside, both are effective. For indoor use, pop fresh or dried basil leaves in the corners where ants show up.

Want to level it up? Add a few drops of basil essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water, spray it onto some cotton wool, and leave it by entry points like cracks or doorways where ants usually enter in.

Lavender

Lavender is a staple for gardens. Most people plant lavender for its looks or its calming scent. But it’s also a herb with natural repelling scents. It is similar to Basil in the sense the compounds in it radiate a strong sense that the ants find unpleasant but us humans love.

Rosemary

To us, rosemary doesn’t smell super strong, but to ants? It’s overpowering due to the essential oils like cineole, camphor and borneol releasing a scent that ants tend to avoid. However it is best to keep it in your house, it doesn’t do well in cold .

Even adding just one of these plants can help you keep ants at bay - naturally, and beautifully.

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