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Tips to Get Rid of Ants in Plants

8 Tips to Get Rid of Ants in Plants

First published: 15 May 2023 @ 6:00 pm

Ants are one of the most common pests in plants. They can cause damage to plants by feeding on their sap or pollinating flowers.

Moreover, ants can also disturb the soil around plant roots and deposit it on the surface during their nest-building activities, which can be damaging to plants.

Besides, most of the ant colony is also common insect pests that usually infest indoor plants or outdoor plants.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why ants are often attracted to potted plants and some tips to get rid of ants in plants.

Tips to Get Rid of Ants in Plants
Photo by Paul H on Pexels

Why are Ants Like to Reach Potted Plants?

There are several reasons why ants are like and attracted to potted plants. One reason is that the roots of potted plants are often exposed and vulnerable. This makes it easy for ants to find food and water.

Moreover, potted plants are usually placed near other sources of food, such as kitchens or pantries. This can attract ants that are looking for food.

Ants are also social insects and they need a place to live and raise their young. Potted plants provide them with a suitable place to build their nests and collect food.

Additionally, potted plants often have a moist environment, which is perfect for ant colonies.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Plants?

There are many ways to remove ants in planters and pots. Here are some effective tips to get rid of ants in plants:

1. Remove Any Sources of food and water for the ants

This includes eliminating any ant bait near the plant, cleaning up any spills or debris, and disposing of old fruit or vegetable scraps.

Apart from that, you can eliminate any nest sites around the plant. This includes removing any pieces of wood or leaves that the ants have used to build their nests.

You can also pour a mixture of sugar and water onto the nest site and wait until the ants climb out before sweeping it up.

2. Use an Ant Deterrent Spray or Gel Around the Plant

These products contain chemicals that repel ants and prevent them from entering the plant.

However, be sure to read the label before using them, as some products may be harmful if sprayed directly onto the plant.

Besides, you can also use some natural ant deterrents, such as lavender oil, cinnamon oil, and neem oil can repel ants.

You can also make a DIY ant repellent by mixing 2 tablespoons of lavender oil with 1 tablespoon of borax and 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin.

Apply this mixture to the base of the plant and around the perimeter of the pot.

3. Use an Insecticidal Soap

Ant killer soaps are another effective way to get rid of ants in plants. Make sure to read the label carefully before using one because not all soaps are effective against ants and ensure that it does not cause wilting or damage to plants.

You can also make your own homemade pesticide as an alternative to get rid of ants in plants.

To do so, just mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 1 pint of warm water and stir them. Then put it into a clean spray bottle and spray it on the plant.

4. Use a Baiting Station

Another effective way to get rid of ants in plants is to use a baiting station. This involves placing food, such as sugar water or chocolate chips, near the ants’ nest.

Once the ants are attracted to the food, you can remove it and the colony will be eliminated.

5. Spread Diatomaceous Earth on the Soil Around the Potted Plants

Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock that is rich in microscopic fossils called diatoms. Ants are unable to digest diatomaceous earth, which makes it a very effective way to get rid of ants.

Simply sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth around the plants and watch the ants disappear!

6. Use Natural Repellents in the Garden

Some natural ant repellents work better than others, but all of them will help to get rid of ants.

Some examples of natural ant repellents include peppermint, mint, rosemary, and lavender. Simply mix some of these ingredients together and apply them around the potted plants to repel ants.

In addition, ants are often attracted to potted plants due to their strong scent, which can be from the plant or the potting soil’s organic material

To deter ants naturally, citrus rinds can be squeezed in the direction of the plant so that the juice spritzes out, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, coffee grounds, or dried mint tea leaves can be scattered around the base of the plant.

7. Use White Vinegar to Get Rid of Ants

White vinegar is a natural ant killer and it works great to get rid of ants from around potted plants.

It has a strong smell, so be sure to use it in a safe manner. Simply mix white vinegar with water and spray it around the plants to get rid of ants.

Besides, you can also use white vinegar to wash away any ant trails that have walked along the carpet. To do so, you just put some vinegar on a cloth to dampen it a bit, then remove the ant trail with the cloth.

 8. Use a Vacuum Cleaner

If all the above methods fail, you can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the ants.

Make sure to use the appropriate attachment for removing ants from plants and vacuum the upholstery and flooring as well.

Another way to get rid of ants in plants is to contact a professional if any problems continue to persist despite using one or more of the tips mentioned above.

Tips to Get Rid of Ants in Plants
Photo by Paul H on Pexels

Final Thoughts

There are many effective ways to get rid of ants in plants, and the best way to determine which one will work best for your specific situation is to try a few different methods and see which one is work the best.

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FAQs

What kills ants without killing plants?

There are a number of ways to get rid of ants without harming plants. Some popular methods include sprinkling ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper around the plants or placing food-grade diatomaceous earth by trails and nests.

Do ants in soil hurt plants?

No, ants in the soil do not hurt plants. Ants in soil are beneficial because they help to break down organic material and fertilize the soil. However, some species of ants can directly or indirectly harm plants by feeding on their sap or burying them with mounds of soil.

Do ants damage plants in pots?

Ants may damage plants in pots if they nest in them so ants can harm the roots.

Can baking soda kill ants in plants?

Yes, baking soda can kill ants in plants. Baking soda is a safe and effective method of natural pest control.

Do coffee grounds repel ants in plants?

Coffee grounds may work to repel ants but they won’t kill them.

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