As the arrival of brings warmer days and blue skies, it also signals the return of an annual nuisance, . Emerging from their winter hibernation, ants begin their relentless search for food, often making their way into homes and gardens.

If left unchecked, a few stray ants can quickly turn into a full-blown invasion, forcing homeowners to resort to expensive pest control solutions that can cost upwards of £165 for an initial visit, with additional visits priced at £60 each. However, experts are now recommending a simple and inexpensive home remedy that could save households from both frustration and financial strain.

Chris Hutton, storage expert and owner of Adams Self Store, has shared a highly effective solution using common pantry ingredients, baking soda and icing sugar.

According to Hutton, baking soda alone is not enough to get rid of ants, but when mixed with icing sugar, the combination becomes an almost guaranteed method for eliminating entire colonies.

The icing sugar lures the ants in with its sweet scent, while the baking soda, hidden within the mixture, acts as a lethal agent once consumed. The ants then unknowingly carry the mixture back to their nest, where it is shared among the colony, ultimately wiping them out.

Hutton advises homeowners to create this simple yet powerful mixture by combining equal parts of baking soda and icing sugar in a bowl.

Once thoroughly mixed, it should be sprinkled along ant trails, entry points, and problem areas, such as kitchen counters and windowsills.

While this method does not produce instant results, with patience and regular replenishment, it can significantly reduce the ant population within a few days.

Beyond using this remedy, homeowners are encouraged to take preventative measures to deter ants from entering their homes in the first place.

Keeping surfaces and floors clean, reducing clutter where ants can hide, and sealing cracks around doors and windows can all help minimize the risk of an infestation.

For those seeking an affordable and highly effective alternative to costly extermination services, this baking soda and icing sugar trick offers a simple yet powerful solution to keep ants at bay and ensure a pest-free home this spring.