From tiny ants making a surprise indoor appearance to hitching a ride from your local plant nursery, there are a few reasons your potted plants might have become a new ant hotspot. We reached out to ant experts and pest controllers to find out how you can kick these little invaders to the curb, fast!
Why Are Ants Hanging Out in Your Potted Plants?
Ants aren’t always bad guests. In fact, they help aerate the soil and usually do more good than harm to your plants. However, things get tricky when they move indoors in search of food and shelter — or worse, when they sneak into your home along with your plant.
Zach Liu, a myrmecologist at McGill University and owner of Canada Ant Colony, tells us that many plants come from tropical greenhouses, which can be a paradise for exotic ants to grow and thrive. These ants often settle in the soil or even inside the plants themselves, and unless their colonies are huge, you might not notice them right away. Over time, though, the ant colonies grow, and suddenly your houseplants seem like the ultimate ant resort.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Potted Plants:
Getting rid of ants often depends on what kind of plant you have, but here are a few tricks to try:
Repot Your Plant: The easiest and most effective way to evict ants is to change your plant’s soil. Take your plant outside, gently remove it from its pot, and water the roots to remove as much dirt as possible. Then, repot it with fresh soil. Voila — a clean slate!
Dry Out or Waterlog the Soil: If repotting isn’t an option, you can encourage the ants to skedaddle by manipulating the soil’s moisture. “If your plant can handle it, let the soil dry out completely or give it a good soaking,” says Liu. Either way, the ants won’t be thrilled, and they’ll likely find a new place to call home.
Preventing Ants from Moving in Next Time:
Want to keep your potted plants ant-free for the long haul? Here’s how:
Invite Helpful Insects: This works best for plants outdoors, like those on your patio. Ladybugs and hoverflies love eating aphids, which just so happen to be a favorite snack for ants. Without a food source, ants won’t stick around.
Use Natural Oils: A spritz of natural oils can do wonders for keeping ants away. Essential oils like neem, tea tree, peppermint, and citrus are all excellent natural repellents. Just be sure to apply them regularly, as the oils don’t last long.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering doesn’t just harm your plants; it also attracts ants, who love moist soil. Make sure your pots have proper drainage and avoid letting your plants sit in water. A pot with drainage holes is your best friend!
Choose Ant-Repelling Soil: Some soils are more attractive to ants than others. Ants love clayey soil because it holds together well for nesting. If possible, opt for soil with less clay — but don’t sacrifice your plant’s health just to keep ants away. Your plant’s needs come first!
Lift Your Pots Off the Ground: A simple fix is to elevate your potted plants off the ground. Whether it’s a pot stand, bricks, or even garden furniture, getting your pots off the soil makes it harder for ants to move in.
Plant Ant-Repelling Greens: Certain plants, like lavender, mint, and rosemary, have scents that ants find offensive. By planting them alongside your other plants, you’re creating a natural barrier against ant infestations.
Tidy Up Your Yard: Ants love clutter, so keep your outdoor spaces neat and tidy. Regularly remove dead leaves and other garden debris, and make sure trash is sealed up tight. Ants are always looking for easy food sources, and garbage is a buffet for them.
Seal Up Your Home: This one’s a bit more involved, but it’s the most foolproof way to keep ants from making their way indoors. Seal up any gaps in windows, doorframes, or cracks in your walls to prevent ants from sneaking in. It might take a little time, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble down the line.