6 Plants That Attract Ants

Plants That Attracts Ants-black-ants-on-a-garden-plant — *Black ants on a garden plant*

The proper selection and installation of garden plants can be a game changer, especially if the landscape complements the home’s architectural design along with other structural features. A design of this sort is inviting with a picturesque beauty creating lasting impressions. Garden plants with various shapes, sizes, flowers, and colors can liven up an area as wildlife, pollinators, and beneficial insects are attracted to this type of environment that can be likened to mini-ecosystems.

However, amid this beauty, garden insect pests and ants will also show up to take advantage of all that your garden (a mini buffet) provides. This behavior of insects is a natural occurrence of biodiversity that works as a whole or unit to bring balance. With that said there are steps to take that can help to discourage or lessen the presence of ants and garden insect pests that can become a nuisance especially if there are huge infestations that must be addressed. We will be looking at 6 garden plants that attract ants and methods that can be implemented to bring complete control.

Peonies

Plants That Attracts Ants-a-flowering-peony — *A flowering peony*

Peonies are a real show stopper these garden beauties are amazing with their large showy flower. Peonies can also be used as cut flowers in floral arrangements, some varieties give a mild fragrance, and besides their cluster of blooms, the glossy green leaves add to its overall appeal. However ants are attracted to the buds of peonies using them as a food source and feeding on the sap, therefore it’s best to avoid planting peonies near the entrance of your home

A great plan of action is to spray peonies with a mixture of water and dish soap in a 32 oz spray bottle or place a sticky barrier around the base to prevent ants from climbing up. Keep your home clean and dispose of your garbage daily to discourage ants that will seek entry points into your home.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a great addition to your spring and summer garden with their beautiful flower bloom, these flowering plants will brighten up your garden, hydrangeas are one of the most popular and easy-to-grow container or ornamental garden plants because of their large mostly spherical flower heads that come in a wide array of colors but like other plants hydrangeas attract ants. The reason for this is that hydrangeas are a host plant of aphids, aphids are sucking insects that suck the plant’s sap or fluids.

Once the sap is ingested the aphid then passes (excrement) the sap that converts to a sugary substance known as honeydew, a black mold forms on this secretion known as sooty mold. Ants also use honeydew as a food source. To eliminate ants apply insecticidal soap. This soap spray can be used both on outdoor and indoor plants before application read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a popular plant that is native to North America. What makes the sunflower stand out among garden plants is how large it grows with its bright yellow flowers. Various birds eat the seeds of sunflowers such as bluejays, sparrows, cardinals, starlings, juncos grosbeaks.

Ants love sunflowers because of the sweet nectar that is produced by this plant, to keep ants at bay install sunflowers far from your house. A natural plant repellent like peppermint will help to bring ant control, and insecticidal soap can work as well. Before applying insecticidal soap read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

Hostas

Plants That Attract Ants-a-hosta-plant — *A hosta plant*

Hosta has been traced back as far as 800 years growing in China’s shady forest, there are said to be about 40 species. Some species and cultivars are grown for their beautiful foliage (Leaves) which range in colors from variegated, and yellow, to light-to-dark green, or blue. Hosta comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures.

Hostas contain honeydew deposits that attract ants and other pests, ants use the help of sap-sucking insects or larvae to break down undigested sap and then use it as a food source. Eliminating other insect pests from hostas plants will help to eradicate ant infestation.

Daffodils

Plants That Attracts Ants-a-daffodil — *A daffodil*

Daffodils are a hardy spring perennial plant, the flowers of daffodils are showy, and this popular plant does not only grow outdoors but indoors also, however, daffodils are toxic to pets so ensure that pets don’t venture into areas where daffodils are planted.

Daffodils produce a lovely scent that’s alluring to many insects, ants being among these insects, the base of the daffodil plant is usually swarming with ants in search of the plant’s sweet nectar. Because daffodils are one of ant’s favorites it’s best to keep them planted far away from your home. Using a natural ant repellent for example cinnamon or vinegar. Insecticidal soap will also control ants.

Marigolds

Plants That Attracts Ants-marigold-flowering-plants — *Marigold flowering plants*

Marigolds will give your garden that color pop, and these flowering plants will attract bees, butterflies hummingbirds, and other small bird species because of their nectar. Marigolds come in a range of vibrant colors, from sunny yellow to fiery red.

Ants are drawn by the nectar and can be seen at times crawling around the base of marigolds, when installing these plants do not plant too close to your house or if planting close to your home use a natural ant-repellent coffee or chili powder. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will bring ant control.

Bonus Points Just for You

Mulches

Mulches are popular for providing that finishing touch to landscape and garden areas, but what also makes mulches a winner is the many benefits that mulches provide. Mulches help to suppress weeds, hold moisture, add nutrients to the soil, reduce competition, moderate temperature extremes, and protect the soil from erosion however ants find mulches to be beneficial because of the warmth and moisture mulch provides for their colonies.

Mulchs also provide a hideout for ants to protect their colonies from predators, mulches will also attract carpenter ants as these ant species love to live in decaying wood. To discourage ants try to keep mulches as dry as possible to reduce moisture or consider the use of inorganic mulches for example synthetic or man-made mulches, gravels, or rocks. If you prefer organic mulch then ensure that mulch is changed regularly to discourage ants from using it as a breeding ground.

Wood Chips

Wood chips are another organic material that’s beneficial to enhancing the beauty of a garden but like mulches wood chips are a favorite of carpenter ants. Carpenter ants will make their tunnels inside wood chips and establish their shelters.

Ants will establish their colonies inside of wood chips, organic matter, and rotting logs. When using organic material in your garden, it’s always best to apply insecticide or a barrier around the boundaries of your home to prevent entry points from ants.

Conclusion

A well-designed garden can bring that wow, these oasis are welcoming as we connect with nature in our mini eco-system but with much biodiversity or activity, we must ensure that we do all that we can to discourage ants from taking up residence which can lead to colonies being build that can lead to a huge infestation. This guide will help you to reduce or prevent any issues that can become and nuisance in our landscape especially if they enter our homes through entry points.