Expert shares unusual household item to prevent ants from invading your home this summer

(Image credit: Shutterstock) Summer has arrived, bringing with it the inevitable nuisance of seasonal pests like ants. Whether you are dealing with a handful of scouts or a full-scale invasion, trying to get rid of ants is often a frustrating task.Not only do these tiny critters reproduce quickly, but they can also cause structural damage in extreme circumstances.And if you don’t want to use toxic sprays around your home, there are plenty of natural ways to get rid of ants without chemicals.An expert has revealed an unusual bathroom essential that could be the key to deterring ants this summer. Best of all, you likely already have this affordable staple tucked away in your cabinet, and it only takes a few moments to use — talcum powder.Why is talcum powder a good ant repellent? Talcum powder on surface (Image credit: Shutterstock)Although typically associated with soothing diaper rash, it turns out that there are so many clever uses for talcum powder — notably deterring ants. The reason this works is that the powder’s composition disrupts the pheromone paths ants rely upon, literally stopping them in their tracks.“It might sound a bit random, but the idea is that talcum powder can interfere with the scent trails ants use to find their way to food and back again,” explains expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools.“Ants follow scent trails, so when one finds food it leaves a kind of path for the rest of the colony. The idea with talcum powder is that it can mess with those trails and make it harder for them to keep finding their way back.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips."It is not going to wipe them out or deal with a big infestation, but some people find it helps cut down what they are seeing in certain spots.”How to use talcum powder to repel ants Ants eating crumbs in a kitchen (Image credit: Shutterstock)Talcum powder can interfere with the scent trails ants use to find their way to food and back againGlen Peskett, Director, Saxton Blades Multi ToolsSo how can you apply talcum powder in your home? Simply sprinkle a small layer of talcum powder along the baseboards, window frames, crevices, or any areas where ants are getting into your kitchen or home.Additionally, you could keep ants away from outdoor picnics or play areas with a layer of powder.Essentially, this should create a light barrier that helps disrupt the pheromone trail they’re following — and you should see a decline in tiny visitors.Of course, it always helps to take preventative measures and be aware of the key things that are attracting ants to your home. “A lot of the time, ants are just going after an easy food source,” Peskett adds.“You can try different tricks, but if there’s food left out, they’ll keep coming back. Keeping things clean and properly sealed up makes the biggest difference.”Keeping your kitchen countertops and floors clean and disinfected at all times will make all the difference.It is worth noting that while this bathroom staple works as a quick and affordable hack for tackling a few stragglers, it is not a solution for a major pest problem. If you suspect an infestation, it’s advisable to contact your local professional pest services.In any case, this expert-recommended trick is an excellent way to halt those annoying summer guests before they become a permanent fixture in your home.Top tips to prevent ants Carpenter ants on wooden surface (Image credit: Shutterstock)Prevention is the key, so always inspect your walls and doors for any cracks or gaps for potential entryways. Seal up such gaps with caulk to prevent ants from returning.Check that your window and door screens are correctly installed and sit flush against the frames. If not or they show signs of damage, be sure to replace these immediately.Avoid leaving residual food and crumbs around your home, including dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. And ensure you dust and vacuum regularly to remove any crumbs which may have spilled on the floor, as the scent lures ants into your home.Make sure pantry food is sealed in airtight containers, so ants can’t reach them. Plus, once your pets have finished their meal, rinse out the bowl immediately so there’s no residual food here. At floor level, this is very easy to access for ants. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less. More from Tom's Guide7 things that are attracting ants to your home7 ant-repellent plants Things that attract roaches to your home — and how to fix it As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many. With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!