5. Lure them with sugar

Pick the Right Spot

It may sound obvious, but before spreading your picnic blanket on the grass, check carefully to make sure there are no anthills or roots nearby. This simple step can cut the risk of an ant invasion in half.

Use Mint

A harmless, pleasantly scented old-fashioned trick is to use mint, which apparently has a smell ants can’t stand. Bring a sprig of fresh mint with you and crumble it between your fingers to release its essential oils. Sprinkle it all around your picnic blanket to create a kind of aromatic barrier against the insects.

Cover Everything
Ants are drawn to food. The best way to avoid attracting them is to make yourself as unappealing to them as possible. As soon as you’ve finished eating something, seal it away in airtight containers (reusable ones are best — avoid disposable plastic) so the scent doesn’t drift into the air.

Drop Crumbs Away from the Blanket
If you cut bread or create crumbs, toss them far away from your blanket — even if you’d rather not get up after setting everything out. This will keep your eating area clean and lure ants to a different spot, away from your picnic.

Lure Them with Sugar
Since ants love sugar, you can also use a sugar cube or packet as bait, in addition to the crumb trick. Place a small pile of sugar well away from your picnic spot to draw them in that direction instead.