There’s no need to kill them or use harmful insecticides — ants, those unwelcome guests at summer picnics, can be kept away without harming them.

Eco-friendliness and Energy Saving

What can ruin a picnic? Not just a sudden storm or strong wind, but also a trail of ants marching across your blanket. Still, it’s best to protect them rather than wipe them out.

After all, they are living creatures, even if they’re tiny and annoying! Plus, keeping them away is actually quite simple and doesn’t require insecticides or chemical products, which can be harmful not only to ants but also to humans.

For a picnic that’s eco-friendly, fun, respectful of nature, and safe, here’s how to keep ants away using natural, sustainable methods.

Keep Ants Away Naturally

1. Pick the right spot

2. Use mint

3. Cover everything

4. Drop crumbs away from your blanket

5. Lure them with sugar

Pick the Right Spot

It may sound obvious, but before spreading your picnic blanket on the grass, check carefully to make sure there are no anthills or roots nearby. This simple step can cut the risk of an ant invasion in half.

Use Mint

A harmless, pleasantly scented old-fashioned trick is to use mint, which apparently has a smell ants can’t stand. Bring a sprig of fresh mint with you and crumble it between your fingers to release its essential oils. Sprinkle it all around your picnic blanket to create a kind of aromatic barrier against the insects.

Cover Everything
Ants are drawn to food. The best way to avoid attracting them is to make yourself as unappealing to them as possible. As soon as you’ve finished eating something, seal it away in airtight containers (reusable ones are best — avoid disposable plastic) so the scent doesn’t drift into the air.

Drop Crumbs Away from the Blanket
If you cut bread or create crumbs, toss them far away from your blanket — even if you’d rather not get up after setting everything out. This will keep your eating area clean and lure ants to a different spot, away from your picnic.

Lure Them with Sugar
Since ants love sugar, you can also use a sugar cube or packet as bait, in addition to the crumb trick. Place a small pile of sugar well away from your picnic spot to draw them in that direction instead.