Ants under your outdoor bench can be a real nuisance—especially when they start crawling up your legs while you’re trying to relax. The good news is, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of them. Here’s a step-by-step, natural approach to stop ants from nesting under your outdoor bench for good.
First, identify the problem. Lift or tilt the bench to see if there’s a visible colony or a trail of ants going into the ground. Sometimes, ants are just using the shade and moisture under the bench as a highway, not a nest. But if you see soil mounds or a steady stream of ants disappearing into a crack, that’s your target.
Once you’ve located the entry point, eliminate the food source. Ants are attracted to crumbs, spilled drinks, and even sap from nearby trees. Sweep the area around your bench daily, and if you eat there, use a mat that you can shake out. A clean spot is less inviting.
Next, disrupt the nest without poisoning the earth. Boiling water is a classic, simple fix. Carefully pour about three to four quarts of boiling water directly into the visible ant hole or soil crack. This kills the colony on contact and forces survivors to relocate. But be careful—don’t pour it on plant roots you want to keep.
Another effective method is using diatomaceous earth—food-grade, not pool-grade. Sprinkle a light, even layer under the bench and around the nesting area. The fine powder sticks to ants’ bodies and dries them out. It’s completely safe for pets and plants, but reapply after rain or heavy dew.
You can also create a barrier with natural scents ants hate. Cinnamon, peppermint oil, and citrus peels are excellent deterrents. Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and mist the underside of the bench and the ground beneath it. Ants will avoid crossing that aromatic line.
For a more permanent fix, consider the bench’s placement. Ants prefer damp, shaded spots. If possible, move the bench to a sunnier or drier area, or at least lift it onto small concrete pavers or bricks. This reduces ground contact and makes it harder for ants to tunnel underneath.
Check your bench’s legs and underside for any wood rot or cracks. Ants love crevices. Seal small gaps with silicone caulk or wood filler, and if the bench is made of untreated wood, consider applying a coat of exterior sealant or varnish. This also helps prevent moisture buildup.
Lastly, keep an eye on the area for a few weeks. If ants return, repeat the diatomaceous earth or boiling water treatment. You can also place a few ant bait stations nearby (the kind that uses borax and sugar) to kill the colony without chemicals near your seating area.
Ants are persistent, but with a combination of cleanliness, natural repellents, and barrier adjustments, you can reclaim your outdoor bench. No more unexpected picnic guests.