Finding flying ants in your pool can be a frustrating experience. These winged insects not only disrupt your relaxation but may well also indicate a nearby ant colony. Understanding how to keep winged ants away from your pool area is crucial for maintaining a clean and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family.
Why Are Flying Ants Attracted to Pools?
Flying ants, also known as alates, are the reproductive members of an ant colony. During warm, humid months, these ants take flight in search of mates and new nesting sites. Flying ants are attracted to pools as they are looking for a water source, are attracted to pool lighting, and can find nesting sites and food sources nearby.
Keeping Flying Ants Away From Your Pool
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of flying ants in your pool area.
Manage Your Lighting
Since flying ants are attracted to light, managing your pool lighting is an effective way to repel them. First, consider using yellow bug lights, which create a light that is much less attractive to bugs, including flying ants. Separately, you could also simply limit the nighttime lighting that you use, reducing the use of pool lights in the evening to a minimum.
Regularly Clean the Pool Area
Keeping your pool area clean and free of debris can discourage flying ants from settling nearby.
- Skim your pool regularly to remove any ants or other debris.
- Ensure the pool deck is free of food scraps and spills.
- Store food and drinks in sealed containers and clean up immediately after poolside meals.
Use Plants and Herbs to Repel Ants
Certain plants and herbs are known to repel flying ants and other insects. So which plants provide the best ant deterrent? Incorporate these natural repellents around your pool area to help keep the ants away.
- Lavender has a strong scent that is unappealing to ants. Plant lavender around your pool or use lavender oil as a natural repellent.
- Mint plants can also deter ants from entering your pool area. Consider planting mint in pots around the pool deck.
- Basil and Rosemary can help repel flying ants. Plant them in your garden or place potted herbs near the pool.
Create Physical Barriers
Establishing physical barriers can prevent flying ants from accessing your pool. Use mulch and gravel barriers around the pool to make it more difficult for ants to reach the water. Also seal any cracks or gaps in the pool deck, patio, and surrounding structures to block ant entry points.
Regular Landscaping Maintenance
Maintaining your garden and landscaping can reduce the likelihood of flying ants in your pool. Trimming vegetation to keep plants and shrubs away from the pool eliminates potential ant nesting sites. You should also regularly clear away fallen leaves, branches, and other organic matter that can attract ants.
Professional Pest Control
If you continue to experience issues with flying ants in your pool, consider seeking the advice of a professional ant exterminator. Professional pest control companies can deal with existing ant colonies and prevent future infestations by carrying out regular pest control maintenance, keeping flying ants and other pests away from your pool area.
Keeping flying ants out of your pool requires a combination of good maintenance practices, natural repellents, and strategic lighting control. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a clean, ant-free pool throughout the summer months. Remember, if the problem persists, your local Bug Out ant control experts are here to help.