Ants Around Swimming Pool: The Best ways to control them

Do you have a problem with ants around swimming pool? Are you tired of finding them crawling on your towels, drinks, and snacks? Do you wonder why they are attracted to your pool area and how to get rid of them?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you.

In this article, you will learn the reasons why ants are drawn to your pool, the dangers they pose, and the best ways to prevent and eliminate them. 

16 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Ants Around Your Pool

Clean the Area Really Well 

To avoid ants around the pool, clean the area well. Remove any food or water sources that attract them. This includes snacks, crumbs, and fruits from nearby plants. A clean pool area will deter ants and make your swimming more enjoyable. 

Try Using Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth is a natural pest killer. It is made of fossilized diatoms that dry out ants’ bodies. You can spread it around your pool area to kill ants. Be careful not to inhale it or touch it. It can irritate your skin and lungs.

You can also buy food-grade diatomaceous earth that is safe to eat. It is a powder that you can sprinkle where ants are not welcome. Some people swear by it, but there are other options too. 

Try Spraying a Mixture of Glass Cleaner and Liquid Detergent 

Ants follow a pheromone trail to find food and water. You can break this trail by spraying a mixture of glass cleaner and liquid detergent on the ant spots. Wipe the area with a cloth to remove the scent.

This will make your pool area less attractive to ants. You can also use hand soap instead of glass cleaner if you prefer. 

Spraying Pepper 

Pepper spray can repel ants. Ants hate the smell of pepper and avoid it. You can spray or sprinkle red or black pepper around your pool. This may not solve all your ant issues, but it can help.

Peppermint Spray 

Peppermint spray can also repel ants. Mix peppermint essential oil and water and spray it around your pool. This will make your pool area more pleasant. But be careful if you have pets. Peppermint oil can harm cats and dogs. Many people avoid using it for this reason.

Boric Acid 

Boric acid can kill ants and their queen. It takes three weeks to work. It dissolves their shells and stomachs. It can harm kids and pets, so be careful. Use it in ant traps with maple syrup. Buy it from a hardware store and wear gloves. 

Borax 

Borax is similar to boric acid. It kills ants too. You can buy it online or at a hardware store. Use it with ant traps around your pool. Keep it away from kids and pets. If you don’t like borax or boric acid, try other methods.

Sprinkle Brewed Coffee Grounds Near the Pool Area 

Brewed coffee grounds can deter ants. Make some coffee and sprinkle the grounds around your pool. This will keep ants away for a while. It won’t solve the ant problem, but it can help.

The downside is that your pool area will smell like coffee. You may or may not like that. 

Neem Oil 

Neem oil can also repel ants. It is a natural oil from neem trees in India. Use undiluted neem oil for better results. It is easy to use and effective. You can buy it online or at health food stores. You may prefer it over coffee grounds. 

Cinnamon Essential Oil 

Cinnamon oil can repel and kill ants, even red ants. Buy cinnamon leaf oil and mix it with water. Spray it around your pool and ant spots. It works well.

Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil can repel and kill ants. Mix it with water and spray it on ant spots. You can also spray the pool edge to keep ants out. 

Cornstarch 

Cornstarch can kill ants. Cover a group of ants with cornstarch and water. This will make a mess, but it will kill many ants at once. You can clean up with a cloth or a shop-vac. Dispose of the shop-vac contents. Cornstarch is a common and useful ant-killer. 

Vinegar 

Vinegar can kill and repel ants. Mix vinegar and water and spray it around your pool. Pour white vinegar into the anthill to kill the colony. Be careful of red ants that bite. Find the anthill by watching the ants. Vinegar is simple and useful.

Boiling Water 

Boiling water can kill ants in anthills. Boil water and pour it on the anthill. This will kill many ants, but not all. Anthills are doors to big colonies. Do this on every anthill you find. This will stop ants from annoying you in your pool. 

Chemical Ant-Killing Sprays 

Chemical ant sprays are a quick and easy solution. Many people use them, but some don’t like them. They can be harsh on plants and other things near your pool. They can kill ants fast and well.

You can spray the anthill if you find it. This may be the only way to end your ant problem. Natural methods work too, but not as well. 

Calling Exterminators 

Exterminators can solve your ant problem. You may not have time or patience to do it yourself. Exterminators can check your pool and property. They can find and kill the ants with their skills.

The downside is the cost. Exterminators are pricey, but effective. 

Why Ants Form Clusters In Pool?

Ants are known to form clusters in the pool for several reasons. It’s common to find a collection of ants swimming together in a pool, seemingly against all odds. This behavior is known as ‘self-assembly’ and it’s driven by their collective instinct to survive. 

When a group of ants encounters water, their survival instincts kick in. The ants will grab onto each other, forming a living raft. This is a survival technique they use to avoid drowning when they accidentally fall into bodies of water, such as your pool. 

The ants on the bottom of these clusters can trap tiny bubbles of air against their bodies, allowing them to float and breathe while submerged. The ants on the top of the pile keep the raft afloat.

These structures can be quite large and can sustain the ant colony for a considerable time until they reach dry land or the water evaporates. 

This clustering behavior is particularly prevalent among fire ants, who are known for their unique ability to form waterproof rafts by linking their bodies together. 

Points to Consider When Eradicating Ants at the Swimming Pool 

Eradicating ants from your swimming pool area requires careful thought and planning. Here are a few key points to consider: 

• Safety First: Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides that could inadvertently contaminate the pool water and cause health problems for swimmers. Opt for natural remedies like vinegar or soapy water instead. 
• Target the Source: Simply killing the ants you see around your pool is not enough. It’s essential to locate and eliminate their colony to prevent a new wave of ants from returning to your pool area. 

• Cleanliness is Key: Keeping your pool area clean can greatly reduce the chances of an ant infestation. Regularly remove any food and drink waste, and consider using a pool cover when it’s not in use to prevent ants from accessing the water. 
• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspection of the pool and the surrounding area is essential. Check for signs of ant trails or nests. If you find any, deal with them immediately before they become a bigger problem. 
• Professional Help: If your ant problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in a pest control professional. They can provide specialized treatments that are safe for use around pools and can effectively eradicate the ants. 

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regularly clean and maintain your pool area to prevent ants from becoming a problem in the first place.  

If ants do become a problem, tackle the issue immediately to avoid damage to your pool and potential bites for your swimmers. 

FAQs 

Are Ants in the Pool Harmful? 

While ants in your pool can be a nuisance, they are generally not harmful to the pool itself or to swimmers. However, certain species like the fire ant can deliver painful bites, which can pose a threat to people in and around the pool.  

Besides, ants can occasionally damage pool equipment or the structure around the pool by building their colonies. Regular maintenance, cleanliness, and prompt ant control can mitigate these risks. 

Do Ants in the Pool Indicate Other Pest Problems? 

Not necessarily. Ants are common pests and their presence in your pool doesn’t always indicate other pest problems. However, ants might be attracted to the pool area due to other pests, like aphids, that they feed on.

If you notice ants, it’s wise to inspect for other pests as well.  

Remember, maintaining a clean and hygienic pool environment is crucial in preventing both ant infestations and other pest problems.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, ants around swimming pool can be a nuisance and a health hazard. You can use various methods to repel, kill, or prevent them. 

Whatever method you choose, make sure to keep your pool area clean and safe. We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something useful. For more tips and tricks on pest control, check out our other blogs at Pestweek.