Apply Lemon Juice
One of the most effective ways to keep ants from invading your plants is to apply lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is extremely effective at repelling ants away from the area. To apply, simply cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the soil. Alternatively, you can make a lemon water solution by mixing two tablespoons of lemon juice with one cup of water and spraying it directly onto the soil. You should repeat this process every few days to ensure the ants do not return.
Use Boric Acid
Boric acid is another natural and effective way to keep ants away from your plants. Boric acid is a weak acid that is fatal to ants when ingested. To use, simply mix one tablespoon of boric acid with one cup of water and spray the solution directly onto the soil. For added effectiveness, you can also sprinkle boric acid powder directly onto the soil. Make sure to use the boric acid sparingly, as it can be toxic to other beneficial insects and animals if used in large quantities.
Set Up Traps
Setting up traps around the vicinity of your plants is another useful way to reduce ant infestations. In order to set up the traps, you will need sugar, water, and boric acid. First, mix two tablespoons of sugar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid and shake the mixture until it is fully blended. Spray the mixture onto the soil near the plants and the ants will be drawn to it. Once they come in contact with the solution, they will be killed within a few days.
Keep the Area Clean
In order to prevent ants from invading your plants, it is important to keep the area around them clean. This means cleaning up fallen leaves, branches, and any other debris that could provide a hiding place for the ants. Additionally, you should inspect your plants for any signs of damage or mold and remove them as soon as possible.
Repel Them With Essential Oils
Essential oils are also an effective and natural way to repel ants from your plants. Peppermint and tea tree oil are both particularly effective at repelling ants. To use them, simply mix a few drops of essential oil with one cup of water and spray the mixture directly onto the soil. For added effectiveness, you can also add a few drops of essential oil directly onto cotton balls and place them around the area.
Choose Plants Resistant To Ants
Some plants are naturally resistant to ants, so choosing these types of plants can help you keep ants away from your garden. Plants such as Citrus trees, herbs like lavender and rosemary, and other aromatic plants can help repel ants. Additionally, plants such as ferns, impatiens, and hibiscus are also naturally resistant to ant infestations.
Treat the Soil With Nematodes
Nematodes are tiny worms that can help you keep ants away from your plants by feeding on their larvae. They are a natural and safe way to control ants, and can be purchased from most garden centers. Simply mix the nematodes with water and spray the mixture directly onto the soil. Make sure to repeat this treatment every few weeks to ensure that the ants do not return.
Choose Hard Surface Paths
If you are creating pathways around your plants, it is best to use a hard surface such as gravel or concrete. Ants generally do not like to cross hard surfaces, so this can help keep them away from your plants. Additionally, you should make sure that there are no gaps or cracks in the path, as ants can easily slip through them.
Reduce Moisture and Food Sources
Another way to reduce ant infestations is to reduce moisture and food sources in the area. Make sure to water your plants only when necessary and dispose of any food scraps and dirty dishes as soon as possible. Additionally, it can also be helpful to keep the area around your plants clean and free of debris, as this can attract ants and other insects.
Reinforce Garden Beds
If you have raised beds in your garden, it can be helpful to reinforce them with fencing or some other kind of barrier. This will help keep any ants and other pests away from your plants and reduce the chances of an infestation. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to seal any cracks or crevices in the soil to further prevent ants from entering your garden.
Use Natural Repellents
There are also a number of natural repellents that can help you keep ants away from your plants. Diatomaceous earth, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon are all natural repellents that can be sprinkled around the area to help deter ants. Additionally, you can also use essential oils such as peppermint and tea tree oil to help keep the ants away.
Set up Soy-based Bait Boxes
Setting up soy-based bait boxes can also be helpful in controlling ant infestations. The soy-based bait will attract the ants, who will then feed on it and take it back to their colony. In the colony, the ants will eat the bait and be killed when they ingest it. This is an effective way to control ant infestations and keep them away from your plants.
Preventive Care and Maintenance
Finally, the best way to keep ants away from your plants is by practicing preventive care and maintenance. This means inspecting your plants regularly and removing any dead leaves, branches, or other debris that could attract ants. Additionally, it’s also important to water and fertilize your plants regularly to ensure that they remain healthy. Healthy plants are less likely to be attacked by ant infestations.
