5 Easy steps to follow to Ants Control in Potted Plants
Container gardening is a great way to garden in a limited space, whether you’re growing plants from your patio, deck, porch, balcony, or kitchen countertop you can beautify your living space including growing an edible garden. However, to maintain these types of gardens requires proper maintenance practices. One of the practices that goes into a container garden is controlling insect pests. One pest issue we will be discussing is the control of ants in potted plants.
It seems like these tiny creatures can be found just about anywhere and they will make their presence known either by foraging or seeking a place to establish a colony, ants will also make their presence felt when threatened by delivering painful bites that can have an allergic reaction with some persons. If you have ants issues with your potted plant or want to deter ants from living in your potted plants then continue reading to see how to better control them.
Why Are Ants Attracted to Potted Plants
The presence of ants is a sure sign that they are looking for food, moisture, and a place to build their colony, if your potted plants meet their requirements then rest assured that ants will take up residence. Here are the steps that should be taken for control.
Can Ants Kill Potted Plants
As ants dig in the soil they can contribute to a plant’s decline by disturbing the plant’s roots causing dehydration.
Simple Steps To Ant Control
1. Check the Topsoil: Check the topsoil for ant colonies especially if ants are visible.
2. Dispose of Nest: Once the nest is located be very careful not to get bitten or stung removing the nest.
3. Solution: Water the plant with a solution of one part vinegar and one part water to eliminate ants, or based on the size of the container can be submerged in a mixture of soap and water for 15 minutes.
4. Natural Remedies: Applying diatomaceous earth or cinnamon will discourage ants from returning.
5. Keep the Area Clean: Keeping your plant clean of food debris and the surrounding areas will reduce or deter the presence of ants.
Control ants by Controlling Insects
Many garden insect pests are responsible for ants on garden plants, insects that suck the plants’ sap for example aphids, soft scale insects, mealybugs, psyllids, whiteflies, planthoppers, leafhoppers, and spotted lanternflies will suck the plant’s sap, or fluids. Once ingested they secrete a sugary substance known as honeydew that attracts ants. The key is to control these insects with sprays such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil that will eliminate these sucking pests. Without these sucking pests there is no honeydew which means no ants will longer be present.
Other Methods of Potted Plant Ants Control
1. Change the Soil: Sometimes it’s best to change the soil if it’s infested with ants if you prefer this way instead of drenching the soil with soap and water.
2. Insecticidal Dust: Mix some powder with water and apply it to the potted plant will help to bring ant control.
3. Ant Spray: A natural insecticide in the form of spray can be used for ants control, these contact sprays will kill ants on contact.
4. Ants Bait: Try to locate the route that ants trail take to get to your potted plants, once the route is found place baits next to these trails. Liquid baits are safe to use around your home. This method should be used on outdoor potted plants.
5. Peppermint Plant: This herbal plant will deter many pests including ants because they hate the peppermint scent.
6. Peppermint Essential oil: Using this oil to make a natural repellent will deter ants and other insects.
7. Lemon Spray: A mixture of lemon juice and water will have ants on the run they hate the scent and will stay away.
Natural Ways to Control Ants in Potted Plants
Coffee Grounds: This is a great fit for potted plants all it takes is sprinkling coffee grounds inside pots, and the coffee ground will keep ants away while adding nutrients to the soil.
Garlic Spray: Mix garlic, water, and oil into a 32 oz spray bottle, and directly apply this spray solution to the plant and around the plant.
Conclusion
Taking care of ants in potted plants is that easy, these methods are so effective in the elimination of ants and will work quickly for you.Win the war on ants by stopping them in their tracks. Why should these uninvited guests infest your potted plants when you can strick back with these tips that will help to create an ants-free zone?
