Ants 'can't stand the smell of' 66p spice when sprinkled over lawn

Gardeners battling ants invading their lawns , patios and flowerbeds might have just the solution hiding in their kitchen cupboards . A viral social media tip suggests one inexpensive household ingredient can send ants "scrambling" away from gardens. The guidance comes from TikTok creator Anne Caserta, who posted a video demonstrating ants rapidly retreating after a spice was scattered near their nest. In the clip, she says: "Ants can't stand the smell of cloves, so guess what? They run from it." Anne maintained the spice even prompted the queen ant to appear before seemingly directing the colony away from the spot. "She's telling them to stay away," the influencer added. Cloves contain eugenol, a potent aromatic compound frequently associated with natural insect-repelling qualities. Gardeners’ World suggests strongly scented herbs and spices are occasionally employed as natural deterrents since ants depend heavily on scent trails for navigation. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) states ants are generally harmless in gardens, though large nests can prove troublesome when they emerge in lawns, pots and paving. Specialists note that disrupting scent trails may help diminish ant activity in specific areas. Research published by the National Library of Medicine has additionally examined clove oil's insecticidal and repellent characteristics against various household pests. Scientists discovered compounds within cloves may disrupt insects' behaviour and sensory systems. Budget supermarket jars of ground cloves can frequently be purchased for around 66p, making this trick a considerably more affordable option compared to many commercial ant repellents. Certain specialist ant-control products can exceed £5 depending on the brand and type of treatment. Gardening specialists recommend applying natural deterrents with care around pets and steering clear of excessive application directly onto delicate plants or newly seeded lawns. The RSPCA also advises ensuring essential oils and potent plant compounds are used safely in the presence of animals. Viewers were swift to commend the tip in the comments section, with one posting: "Yup, and if you put clove oil on your shoes keeps them off of you." Another responded: "I'm willing to give it a try." A third user remarked: "Who knew cloves would do that. You're teaching me something new everyday." Meanwhile, another simply posted: "Wow, thank you for sharing."