Garden pests: How to get rid of ants, flies and wasps

As the weather heats up, we love to make use of our gardens, but sadly we’re usually not alone out there. 

And although we may see some more beloved insects such as bees and butterflies, we’re also likely to run into nuisances like ants and flies – especially if we enjoy eating alfresco. 

As such, our team of gardening experts at Grass247 have shared how you can naturally deter flies, ants and wasps from your gardens so you can still enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky bugs. 

How to get rid of ants in the garden

Ants tend to become more active from May onwards, and if you’re having any BBQs then your garden may become a popular destination for them.

So, what are the best ways to get rid of ants in your garden?

1. Get rid of your garden waste

Ants are attracted to dead organic waste in our gardens such as leaves, flowers and even twigs.

So, if you’ve been doing any gardening, make sure you clean up any lingering waste and place it in a secure area, such as your garden waste bin or your garden compost. 

2. Deter ants with garden plants 

If you’re looking for a natural solution to driving away and getting rid of ants then plants with strong scents such as mint, lavender, and ginger can be ideal additions to your gardens. 

Ants will be overwhelmed by the scent of these and will steer clear of your garden as a result. 

You should also clean your plants to get rid of any aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that ants feed on, meaning they may come to your garden in search of their next meal.

To remove aphids, maintain the cleanliness of your plants by spraying them with water to knock any aphids off of their leaves. 

3. Wipe down any furniture

If you’re eating outside you may find ants trailing across your garden furniture, however, simply sweeping them away won’t get rid of them. 

Ants leave pheromones to let other ants in the colony know that there is food nearby, so you need to remove these scents to stop their trails. Mix one part of white vinegar to three parts water, and spray this on your garden furniture before wiping down with a damp cloth. 

You can also use essential oils such as mint and lavender mixtures to stop ants in their tracks. 

Not only will this get rid of any pesky insects, but also leave your garden furniture shiny and clean. Head to our blog for more easy, budget-friendly ways to clean your patio furniture. 

4. Use white vinegar to get rid of ants

Finally, if you’re suffering from an ant infestation, one of the best household ways to get rid of ants is to utilise an item that is probably already in your cupboards – white vinegar. 

Keep an eye out for any ant’s nests in your garden, these will look like fine heaps of soil on your lawn or in flower beds. You can then pour some white vinegar on the top of the mound as a quick and effective way to get rid of ants in a garden. 

This will kill any ants immediately, but won’t affect your plants or grass at all. 

How to get rid of flies in a garden

It’s always a shame when you spend time outside only to find yourself bothered by buzzing flies in the garden. Here are three key ways to keep them away from your outdoor space:

1. Essential oil candles

One of the best ways to deter flies when you’re outside is to use essential oil candles to mask any food smells. 

Flies hate citronella, so placing a citronella candle on any garden dining tables or around seating areas can be a great way to keep any flies away. 

Pine and lavender can also be great ways to combat flies in your garden. Candles with these scents will deter flies, and are a more aesthetically pleasing option for your garden. 

However, bear in mind that while flies dislike the smell of pine, pine essential oil is toxic to pets – so it’s best to stay away from using these if you have any furry friends around. 

2. Attract bees and other insects 

When you want to get rid of flies, a natural way is actually to attract other insects—especially those that aren’t as bothersome in the garden, such as bees.

Flies will avoid bees, so planting bee-friendly plants will not only help your garden’s ecosystem, but will also keep any flies out of your garden. 

Bees can see purple flowers better than any others, so plants like lavender, verbena and catmint can be a great way to attract bees. In general, introducing more wildlife into your garden can also attract more insects such as spiders and frogs, which eat flies, making it an ideal natural way to stop flies taking over your garden. 

3. Use fly traps

If you want a quick solution for how to get rid of a fly, fly tape may be your best bet. Fly tape, or sticky traps, can be hung around high activity areas of your garden.

Flies like to perch while they rest, making fly tape the perfect way to trap any pesky flies before they reach your outdoor dining area. Just be sure you replace them regularly to keep them effective. 

How to get rid of wasps in a garden

Wasps can be a bit of a nuisance, and due to their sting, can cause a panic when you find them flying around you. However, a wasp will only sting if they feel threatened, so try to stay calm and not swat at them when you find them in your garden. 

Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible, therefore it’s important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space. 

So, how can you get rid of wasps and deter them from coming back?

1. Plant some strong smells

Planting strong scented plants is a great method when it comes to how to get rid of wasps naturally. Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden. 

Herbs such as rosemary, sage and mint are also perfect ways to keep wasps out of your garden, as these have strong scents.

You can also pop these in pots near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home. 

2. Create a homemade wasp repellent

You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent. 

Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil. 

Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you’ve seen them frequently. 

3. Get rid of any waste

Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible.

It’s also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don’t come into your home through an open window.