Ants love to forage for food and nowhere is out of bounds for them. They will scavenge a wide range of foods but have a particular liking for sugary substances.
This is where homes become vulnerable, particularly kitchens, as anything from a small spillage of juice to a slice of cake left on the side will attract these pests.
It does not take much sugar content to bring them in. While foraging, an ant also leaves a scent trail that not only helps them find their way back to the nest but also helps other foragers follow the trail in the other direction.
So, the sight of a single ant in the house can be the start of many more visitors and lead to an invasion.
Struggling with ants invading her kitchen, Stephanie Dickinson took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page to ask for help.
She said: “I have ants invading my kitchen. They just suddenly appeared yesterday.
“I can’t see where they are coming from so can’t block their entrance. How can I discourage them?”
Many group members suggested using natural deterrents like peppermint oil, garlic, cinnamon and talcum powder.
However, while these items can be effective at the time they need to be applied many times and don’t always give lasting results.
Instead, one cleaning fan recommended using an “amazing” spray dedicated to getting rid of ants as well as other insects like woodlice and cockroaches.
Lynn Reid wrote: “A friend told me to get Dethlac spray off Amazon. Used it about three years ago once and have never seen an ant since. It’s amazing.
“Would definitely recommend. I haven’t needed to buy more since the original purchase.
In response to Lynn, Christine Foreman said: “This is exactly what I used when I had an ant invasion. They still sell it on Amazon and eBay.”
The Dethlac insect control spray can be picked up from Amazon for £9.99 or from eBay for £10.43.
The spray dries to a hard clear film which “kills insects within a few hours” of coming into contact with the treated surface and remains “effective for months”, according to the description of the product.
Customers like the performance and ease of use of the pesticide. For example, they mention it’s extremely effective and long-lasting. Some are happy with safety. That said, opinions are mixed on value, durability, smell, and washability.
