Have you ever spotted a battalion of black ants marching somewhere near your garden? Or an anthill you never gave much notice to? Ants may seem harmless as they pass along the floor of your home, but once you notice them climbing up your plant, it’s time to observe them closely.
Ants are just uninvited guests that can disrupt your garden in ways that can prove to be frustrating for you. Once they grow in numbers, they can turn their arrival disadvantageous in no time. Among all the garden pests, ants are the ones we know the least about. So, before we dive into how to get rid of ants in plants, let’s take a moment to understand them better.
Why Do Ants Make Themselves at Home in Our Garden?
Ants are always on the lookout for the perfect hideout, and what could be safer than the bushy green plants resting in your garden? Spotting ants nearby is quite normal, but these sneaky invaders are usually in search of food, which can lead them to the sweet, honeydew-like substance released by aphids. When ants start climbing your plants and running up and down the stems, it could be a subtle sign that something is wrong. Another reason for their presence could be decomposing fruits that have fallen in the garden or the high moisture around.
Different Types of Ants You Can Spot in Your Garden
Black Ants
These are the ants you’ll see most often. Black ants are everywhere, crawling along flowerbeds, sneaking into your picnic, or forming long trails across the pavement. They're harmless, mostly interested in food, especially anything sweet.
Leaf-cutter Ants
You’ll spot them carrying pieces of leaves way bigger than their own bodies. But here’s the cool part: they don’t eat the leaves. These leaves are then used to produce fungus, which becomes their main source of food.
Carpenter Ants
If you have old logs, tree stumps, or a wooden fence in your garden, there’s a better chance that carpenter ants might be close by. These ants are large, black or reddish, and love tunnelling through damp or decaying wood to build their nests. Their purpose is not to eat but build a colony out of it.
Fire Ants
Bright red and tiny, fire ants may look harmless, but once you disturb their nest and you’re in for a sting. Literally, these aggressive ants defend their territory with a fiery bite (and sting), which is where they get their name.
Ways To Remove Ants From the Garden
“Treat the cause, not just the symptom.”
Here’s what my mother would remind me whenever I complained about recurring problems. The same wisdom applies to your garden, addressing both the ants and the reason they’ve arrived will lead to lasting results.
Using Haldi (Turmeric) as a Cure
Turmeric is widely known for its healing properties and its use in Indian cuisine. But did you know it's also a commonly used remedy to get rid of ants in every second Indian household? A few days ago, ants had gathered near our entrance door, and let me tell you, that trail of ants was a sight that could make anyone cringe. My mom arrived with the spice box and handed me some turmeric to sprinkle over the areas where I had spotted them.
Well, science says that bright yellow haldi powder can be a remarkably effective ant repellent. It contains compounds like curcumin, which can disrupt ant colonies and drive them away.
You can simply sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected areas or mix it in warm water for better results. If you’re noticing increased ant activity, use this solution more frequently.
Neem Oil Solution
In many of our other remedy blogs, we’ve mentioned neem oil countless times, and for good reason. Neem has natural properties that make it an effective pesticide, without causing harm to the surrounding greenery. When it comes to ants, neem can be just as useful.
Prepare a neem oil solution by diluting it with water and spraying it around the plants facing such infestation. This way, you'll be able to tackle both problems, aphids, which attract ants in the first place, and the ants themselves.
Using Spice as Treatment
With this, you can agree that the Indian kitchen holds remedies on every rack. One such example is cinnamon powder, the same spice that gives tea its delightful flavour in winter. The secret is the nature of embedded bioactive compounds, namely cinnamaldehyde, which carries a strong scent, confusing ants altogether. Do not worry, your soil would only be enriched with the addition of cinnamon, which is used to drive ants away.
Another great solution for your query on how to remove ants from plant soil is coffee grounds, the smell of which reminds you of your refreshing evening routine. Its strong aroma spreads quickly and disrupts the ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to communicate and stay connected with their colony. By adding coffee grounds, your plants fulfill the nitrogen supply.
Pick up the Vinegar from the Pantry
The next thing we know is Vinegar. Every kitchen might have vinegar kept on the corner shelf stocked for making something appetising for the weekend. Now, diluting water and vinegar equally and making a spray from it can also help you combat garden problems. Spray vinegar around the plant that is the target of ants. You can also use the solution on entryways where ants are usually spotted. The smell can stay for days, bidding a nice goodbye to garden ants.
Advantages of Ants in Our Garden
As a part of the ecosystem, ants provide several benefits to our garden. The problem arises when their numbers increase significantly, often signalling an underlying plant issue that needs your attention. Still, ants quietly contribute to our garden’s well-being, working beneath the surface or acting as tiny guardians.
Natural Pest Control
Ants may be tiny, but they’re mighty when it comes to protecting your garden. Many species hunt down common garden pests like termites and flea larvae. By feeding on these unwanted visitors, ants help reduce the damage to your plants.
Helping in Soil Aeration
As ants build their underground tunnels, they dig through the soil, creating pathways for air, water, and nutrients to reach plant roots more easily. This natural aeration improves soil structure and helps your plants grow healthier and stronger. It's like having a team of mini gardeners working beneath the surface!
Pollinators in the Garden
While ants aren’t the most famous pollinators, they do contribute in their own small way. As they crawl over flowers searching for nectar, they occasionally pick up and transfer pollen. It’s like a small act of service by playing a small but important role in nature.
Nutrient Cycling
Ants also play a big role in breaking down organic matter. They feed on dead insects and decaying plant material, helping to decompose it and return nutrients to the soil. This natural recycling boosts soil fertility and keeps your garden’s ecosystem in balance.
Create a Garden for Ages!
In my summer holidays, whenever I used to visit my grandmother’s home, the garden was the first thing on my mind. The thing is - Gardening is so special, it requires little observations like these to filter the tiny invaders from the plant pots, and create a garden that inspires your visitors. Also, like we mentioned, your kitchen might hold the key to many gardening issues. For example, the cinnamon we used from our rack of spices to vinegar, which is not just making our Chinese dishes special. Some of the ingredients can act as powerful allies in maintaining your green sanctuary. With consistent application and a bit of patience, your plants will soon be free of ants, allowing you to enjoy the peace and beauty of your garden once again.
If you enjoyed this blog, you will also love the introduction to plant diseases if you want to learn more about your green friends!
Drop the comments for any gardening-related queries or any topic you would like us to cover, and we will get back to you!
Until then, happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ants in the Garden
How can I easily remove ants from the Tulsi Pot?
Ants can attack your Tulsi plant due to the aphids that spread a honeydew-like substance. You can use natural methods like cinnamon and Neem Oil to say goodbye to the ants and aphids that have attacked your favourite plant.
What is one of the fastest ways to get rid of ants naturally?
You can get rid of plants by using neem oil spray. You simply have to prepare a solution by diluting the neem oil in water, and later use it. The next best thing is using vinegar or any citrus solution.
How to remove ants from the pots?
You can remove plants from pots by using cinnamon, coffee grounds, or any citrus fruit peel to create an uncomfortable environment for them. Also, remember to clean the area around the pot, as they can create hideaways or find food in it.
What smell do ants hate the most?
Ants hate the smell of citrus foods, or any pungent odour like vinegar, peppermint oil, etc, it’s intoxicating to them and confuses their ability to communicate.
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