How to Stop Ants from Getting in Potted Plants

If you’re an indoor or outdoor plant enthusiast, you know that pests can quickly become a nightmare. One pest that can be especially difficult to deal with is ants. Not only can they invade your potted plants and cause damage to the roots and foliage, but they can also bring other harmful pests like aphids or mealybugs. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent ants from getting into your potted plants.

Keep the Area Around Your Plants Clean

Ants love to invade spaces that offer food, water, and shelter. Keeping the area around your plants free of debris and spilled food or drinks is an easy way to discourage them. Additionally, make sure to keep your plants healthy and free from disease or overwatering, as weak plants attract pests like ants.

Use Ant Repellent Plants

Certain plants can repel ants, making it less likely for them to invade your potted plants. Some examples of these plants include mint, lavender, and catnip. Planting these nearby or in the same pot as your plant can ward off ants effectively. Additionally, you can boil some of these plants and use the resulting liquid as a natural anti-ant spray.

Apply Ant Repellent Substances

There are several substances that can repel ants. Some of these materials include cinnamon, diatomaceous earth, and borax. Sprinkling some cinnamon around your plants or mixing some borax with sugar and water to make a homemade ant bait is a great way to keep ants away from your plants. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can harm your plants and possibly animals too.

Remove Ants With Natural Remedies

If you already have ants in your potted plants, there are some natural remedies that you can use to remove them. For example, you can mix vinegar with water and spray it directly on the ants. Alternatively, you can use a solution of dish soap and water and pour it directly on the ants. The soapy solution will disrupt the ants’ pheromone trails, making it more difficult for them to find their way back to your plants.

Use Ant Traps

When all else fails, you can set up ant traps around your plants. You can use pre-made traps or create your own by mixing borax with sugar and water. Place the traps close to your pots and watch as the ants get lured in by the sweet scent only to be killed by the borax. However, make sure to not set them too close to the plants, as the borax can be harmful.

Conclusion

Ants are a common pest problem for plant enthusiasts, but there are several ways to prevent and remove them effectively. Keeping the area around your plants clean, using ant-repellent plants or substances, and using ant traps are all great ways to keep ants at bay. With a bit of patience and diligence, you can keep your potted plants free of ants.