As summer approaches, many households will begin to see an influx of ants, but there is a simple solution to eradicate these tiny pests. These small nuisances are often seen in homes from April to October after they emerge from hibernation. They tend to be more active in the late afternoon and often move indoors to forage when they find it too cold outside.

Many ant repellents available today provide an eco-friendly and affordable solution to remove these pests. Essential oils have also been found to be effective in keeping ants at bay.

One oil that experts believe is particularly good at deterring ants from entering your home is patchouli. This oil has a distinct earthy, musky scent, according to House Digest.

A 2013 study from Acta Tropica found that patchouli also helped keep flies, termites, ticks, and other pests away. Researchers discovered that it has toxicity and repellency towards three types of urban ants, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

It offers a non-hazardous method of keeping ants out of your home without having to use poisons. Concentrations of patchouli as little as 0.01 per cent can impact the ants.

However, there is one thing to be cautious about. Pets, particularly cats, can have an adverse reaction to patchouli oil.

This means it's important to keep your pets away from any areas treated with this essential oil. Experts suggest using diluted patchouli as a spray to repel ants.

Alternatively, it can be used full-strength on cotton balls placed around the home. Around five drops of the oil should be used on a collection of cotton balls.

However, House Digest advises that these should be kept out of the reach of children or pets. The balls should be changed every few days to keep the ants at bay.

Oil-infused cotton pads can also be rubbed onto the window sills, drawers and other surfaces where you regularly spot ants. If using a diluted solution, you can even add your other favourite ant repellents including peppermint, citrus, and tea tree oils.

You will however need to use something as a solubiliser - many people choose to use vodka - because the oil won't disperse in the water. The experts recommend mixing a quarter of a cup of water with a quarter of a cup of alcohol and around 30 drops of essential oil.

The solution should be reapplied every day or so - after you have cleaned - while monitoring for a change in ant activity. This can then be combined with other ant-repellents to keep your home bug free.