Get Rid of Ants by the Pool: A Complete Guide

Dealing with ants around your pool can be very frustrating. Not only are they a nuisance but they can also contaminate the water. The good news is that there are effective ways to get rid of ants in pool areas. In this complete guide, you’ll learn why ants are attracted to pools how to prevent them, and proven methods for getting rid of existing ant infestations around pools.

Why Are Ants Attracted to Pools?

Ants are attracted to pools for several reasons

• Water: Ants need water to survive, so they are drawn to the pool as a water source. This is especially true in hot, dry weather.

• Food: Bits of food, crumbs, and sweet liquids like soda and juice around the pool area are food sources for ants.

• Warmth: The sunny, warm conditions around pools are an ideal environment for ants.

• Shelter Cracks and crevices in pool decks provide nesting sites for ants

How to Prevent Ants from Invading Your Pool Area

Preventing ants from getting into your pool area in the first place is the best strategy. Here are some tips:

• Keep the pool deck clear of food, debris and standing water. Sweep or vacuum regularly.

• Fill cracks in the pool deck to eliminate nesting spots. Caulk gaps around pool equipment.

• Trim back vegetation that hangs over or touches the pool enclosure.

• Store pool chemicals securely in enclosed containers.

• Keep the pool water balanced and chlorinated. Poor water quality attracts ants.

• Install a security barrier like diatomaceous earth around the pool perimeter.

Effective Methods to Get Rid of Ants

If ants have already infested the area around your pool, swift action is required to get rid of them and keep them away. Here are the top methods recommended by pest control pros:

Use Ant Traps

Ant traps contain a bait that worker ants bring back to the colony and queen. The bait either kills them or disrupts the reproductive cycle. Opt for traps that use borax instead of toxic chemicals. Place the traps around the pool area and refresh the bait periodically.

Apply Insecticide Sprays

Liquid insecticides formulated specifically for ants can be sprayed around the pool enclosure to kill on contact. Look for products containing pyrethrins that work quickly but have low toxicity to humans. Reapply after heavy rains. Avoid spraying insecticides directly into the pool.

Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

DE is made of tiny fossilized remains of algae that destroys the ants’ waxy exoskeleton causing dehydration and death. DE is non-toxic when dry. Create a visible barrier around the pool or sprinkle directly into anthills. Reapply after watering or rain. Wear a mask when handling.

Use Ant Baits

Baits combine an ant attractant and an active ingredient that kills ants in about 3-7 days. They work by getting carried back to the colony and shared. Scatter bait granules around the pool or use bait stations. Replenish baits until ant activity stops.

Apply Borax and Sugar Solution

Mixing 1 part borax with 3 parts white sugar creates a sweet liquid bait that worker ants will carry back to the colony and queen. The borax disrupts their digestive system. Apply liberally around the perimeter. Refill until the ants disappear.

Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and citrus naturally deter ants. Mix about 20 drops of oil per gallon of water in a spray bottle. Spray walkways, ledges, fences and other areas around the pool enclosure where ants travel.

Adjust Landscaping

Discourage ants by removing wood piles, heavy mulch, and overgrown plants next to the pool or deck. Trim branches back from touching the enclosure. Ants nest in moist, shady areas. Eliminate sources of standing water.

Call an Exterminator

For heavy infestations, it may be necessary to call in a professional pest control company. Experienced exterminators know how to thoroughly treat the nest and perimeter to eliminate ants and prevent recurrence.

When to Call a Pro for Ant Control

While DIY methods often get rid of occasional ant invaders, if you have an extensive infestation that persists despite your efforts, getting professional help is advisable before structural damage or major contamination occurs. Signs that it’s time to call an exterminator include:

• Ant trails visible day and night around the pool and deck

• Multiple anthills or nests inside the pool enclosure

• Ants emerging from cracks in the pool deck

• Ants swarming on pool equipment or inside skimmers

• Failure of over-the-counter methods to reduce ant numbers after several weeks

• Ant bites occurring to pool users

• Evidence of ant damage to pool plaster or concrete

Tips for Ongoing Prevention

Once you get rid of the ants, be vigilant about keeping them away from your pool in the future:

• Perform weekly walk-arounds looking for signs of new ant activity.

• Reapply outdoor barriers like diatomaceous earth periodically.

• Ensure there are no new cracks or gaps around the pool deck area.

• Eliminate new sources of moisture or standing water.

• Keep the pool chemistry in balance.

• Store chemicals tightly sealed in a locked container.

• Replace bait traps and refill bait stations frequently.

• Keep the pool deck and enclosure clear of debris and food spills.

With some diligent prevention and swift removal tactics using these pest control methods, you can enjoy your pool without the nuisance of ants invading to disturb the fun and peace of your backyard oasis.

Ants are repelled by a variety of strong scents, including those from citrus fruits, vinegar, essential oils like peppermint and tea tree, and certain spices like cinnamon and garlic.

No, ants are not attracted to chlorine; in fact, it is more likely to repel them. Chlorine is a chemical used to disinfect pools and hot tubs, and it helps to deter insects, including ants.