How To Get Rid Of Ants In Potted Plants Naturally

Ants are very small insects possessors of different species where each one is characterized by living in the community. Like any animal where insects are included, these have great importance in terms of the ecosystem because they play a role. Ants are not known to step out of their way, so they are so well organized.

However, a negative point regarding these insects is that they invade almost any place, becoming pests. As they live in a community, they are difficult to exterminate since they hide their nests well from possible predators.

Why Are Ants in My Potted Plants?

Although ants are not known for attacking pests directly, if you have ants on your plants, it is for a reason. The ants are not necessarily after the plant but the other insects that may be found in your potted plant.

These insects are an indication that there are other pests on your plant, such as aphids or scales and mealybugs. These insects produce honeydew, which refers to their excrement, sweet and nutritious, which ants love.

Can ants kill potted plants?

Not necessarily, as ants are not attacking your potted plant directly, so you can rest assured. As already indicated, what happens for the ants to be on your plant is other insects’ existence, which produces a type of food that the ants want where it is based on these insects’ excrement.

Aphids and mealybugs produce this excrement by leaving it on the plant, which attracts ants because it is sweet and nutritious.

Are ants bad or good for potted plants?

Depending on the plant owner’s perspective, they do not directly affect the plant but are found there because of the molasses. Now, although they do not affect your potted plant, they may defend other insects due to the excrement they produce. But seeing the positive point of its presence in potted plants can indicate other insects’ existence. This affects the plant directly, so it is in problems that can worsen.

Types Of Ants In The Soil Of Potted Plants

Although there are many ant species, this does not mean that you will have to deal with all the existing ones on your plant. The most common ant species that can be found in potted plants are two that can be a bit aggressive:

• Fire ants

Which bite strongly when provoked, and their venom produces a little pain and swelling in the affected area for several days.

• Carpenter ants

Although they do not necessarily nest in your pot, you can commonly find them on the site looking for food for other ants. They do not bite as strongly as fire ants, but they spray formic acid, creating a burning sensation.

Types Of Potted Plants That Are Attractive To Ants

People who happen to be fans of potted plants will know that many are truly beautiful indoors. But of all the plants that can be discussed, we will mention four irresistible to ants for various reasons. These plants surely you know them since they are the following:

• Peonies

They are a really popular option because of how beautiful and sweet they smell. However, it attracts ants a lot because of the nectar it produces.

• Willow of the desert

It is a familiar choice for the United States’ southwestern region to be found in various homes. This particularly attracts ants, especially fire ants, due to their nectar.

• Tomato plants

Tomato plants are quite popular, but because of the other insects that may be in this one, ants are attracted and not specifically tomatoes.

• Orchids

This type of houseplant does not attract ants, particularly like the first two mentioned, but insects may attract them.

Ants In Potted Tomato Plants

Insects such as ants rarely affect tomatoes; however, it may be due to them if you find damage to them. However, ants are attracted mainly by the honeydew of the aphids that have been able to adhere to it.

Something that can attract ants in line with other insects’ honeydew is the pot itself. Well, it has the perfect structure for the ants to nest in it in a comfortable and relatively safe way for them.

Ants In Potted Orchid Plants

Orchids are not attractive or attractive to ants, but if you find an ant infestation on your orchids, it may be due to the presence of other insects. These insects have attached to your plant that produces attractive food for the ants, as already explained.

However, something attractive to ants and molasses is the pot, resulting in a perfect nest.

Home Remedy To Get Rid Of Ants In Potted Plants

Do not affect your plants with purchased repellants or insecticides as they can be toxic. Rather, opt for these natural home methods:

• Citrus

Ants do not like citrus fruits because they affect their sense of orientation, so that sprinkling lemon juice can be effective.

• Soap solution

You can also choose to mix liquid soap of any kind with warm water and a little peppermint oil and then spray it on your plants. You need to do it at night and in the morning to take effect and then spray cool water to remove the soap.

• Use spices

Spices are perfect for this job as you can spread them around the base of your silver to keep the ants away. The spices that can work perfectly for this purpose are cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, and dried mint tea leaves.

Also Read: How To Get Rid of Rover Ants Naturally

How To Get Ants Out Of Potted Plants?

The ants on your plant, even if they do not attack it directly, tend to be a very annoying pest that you can eliminate in the following way:

• Bait

Place decoys outside the plant that is toxic only to the ants to carry them to their nest directly.

• Clean your plant

Once you have freed your plant from the ants, you should take it outside and submerge it in a non-toxic insecticidal soap and water solution. Let it rest for 20 minutes so that the remaining ants that live in the ground are eliminated, remove the plant and check if it is free of ants.