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

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are ants living in my potted plants?
Ants love potted plants because they provide shelter, moisture, and—if aphids or mealybugs are around—a food source (the sweet honeydew they produce). Your potted plants are like a cozy little ant hotel with room service!

2. Are ants harmful to my potted plants?
On their own, ants aren’t usually harmful to your plant’s roots or leaves. But if they’re farming pests like aphids or scale insects, those pests can seriously hurt your plant by sucking out its nutrients. So in that case, yes—ants can be part of a bigger problem.

3. Can I just water the ants out?
You can try! Giving your plant a good, deep soak can flood out some of the ants. Just be careful not to overwater your plant in the process. Combine the removal of ants with other methods for better results.

4. What natural remedies work best to get rid of ants in pots?
Cinnamon, coffee grounds, diatomaceous earth, and a mix of water and mild dish soap are all solid, natural options. Sprinkle them on the soil surface or spray lightly. Ants hate strong scents and gritty barriers.

5. Is it okay to use insecticides on indoor potted plants?
It depends. Some insecticides are safe for indoor use, but always read the label. Opt for plant-safe and pet-safe sprays. Neem oil or insecticidal soap are gentler alternatives that work well if you use them regularly.

6. Will repotting plants keep ants away?
Yes, repotting can work wonders—especially if the ant colony has made a full-blown nest in the soil. Remove the plant, shake off old soil, rinse the roots, and replant in fresh, sterile potting mix.

7. How do I keep ants from coming back to my potted plants?
Prevent re-infestation by keeping your plant healthy and pest-free. Also, try placing a barrier like petroleum jelly around the pot rim or setting the pot in a shallow tray of water—ants don’t know how to swim swim!

8. Are ants attracted to certain types of plants more than others?
Yes, plants that tend to attract sap-sucking pests like aphids, such as hibiscus, citrus, and roses, are more likely to draw ants. If your plant has sticky leaves or visible pests, it’s like ringing the dinner bell for ants.

9. Can I move the plant outdoors to get rid of ants?
Temporarily moving the plant outdoors can help, especially if you want to use treatments that require good ventilation (like neem oil or essential oils). Just be careful not to stress the plant with sudden changes in sunlight or temperature.

10. Do ants serve any useful purpose in the soil?
In nature, yes—they help with aeration and pest control. But in potted plants, they’re more of a nuisance than a helper. If they’re bringing pests or disrupting the roots, it’s best to evict them.

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 strike back with these tips that will help to create an ants-free zone?