Ever noticed a tiny army of ants marching through your plant pots like they own the place? Annoying, right? One moment, your beloved plants are thriving, and the next, these pesky little invaders are setting up camp in the soil.
While ants might not harm your plants directly, their presence often signals bigger problems—like aphids or fungal growth—that can wreak havoc on your greenery. Plus, having these pests in your space can be pretty troublesome.
But don’t worry! Getting rid of ants in plant soil is easier than you think. Whether you’re battling an ant infestation indoors or in your garden, we’ve got some super-effective, natural, and hassle-free ways to send them packing.
Let’s dig in!
• How to Stop Ants Nesting in Plant Pots: Our Top 5 Methods!
Whether they hitched a ride home with your plants or crawled their way into your space to camp out there, there could be many reasons why ants are suddenly calling your plants their home.
Whatever the reason, here is how to remove ants from plants' soil!
1. Drench the Soil with Soapy Water
Ants hate soap, and a simple soapy water solution can send them running.
Mix a teaspoon of mild liquid soap with a liter of water and pour it into the soil. The soap breaks down their scent trails, making it harder for them to return. Plus, it won’t harm your plants if used in moderation!
How to go about it? The easiest way would be to take some soap water in a water sprayer and gently spray it into the plant's soil using the stream setting. Another way? Simply pour it in with a watering can!
2. Sprinkle Cinnamon or Coffee Grounds
Cinnamon isn’t just for your morning latte—it’s a natural ant repellent!
This makes cinnamon one of the best solutions for ants in plants! Simply sprinkle ground cinnamon on the soil to disrupt their colony. Coffee grounds work similarly, confusing their scent signals and driving them away.
Bonus: both of these also add nutrients to the soil, making them a win-win solution for plant lovers!
Also Read: Benefits of Coffee Grounds for Plants
3. Use a Vinegar and Water Spray
A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water creates an effective, natural ant deterrent.
So, if you're trying to figure out how to stop ants nesting in plant pots, vinegar is one of the easiest ways!
Spray it around the base of your plant, on the soil, or even near entry points where ants are coming in. The strong scent overwhelms them, making them abandon their little hideout.
Just be careful—vinegar can be harsh on some plants, so avoid spraying directly on leaves. For precision spraying, make use of a mister that will ensure the solution only gets sprayed where you want it to!
4. Set Up a Natural Ant Bait with Borax
If you want to get rid of ants in plant soil for good, borax is your secret weapon.
Mix a teaspoon of borax with sugar and a little water to create a paste. Place small amounts near the plant (not directly on the soil). The ants carry it back to their colony, eliminating the problem at its source.
PSA: If you've got pets or toddlers, please skip this step. Borax is toxic when ingested and the risk isn't worth the reward in such cases!
5. Keep the Soil Dry and Well-Drained
Ants love moist environments, so if your soil stays damp for too long, it becomes their ideal home.
Make sure your plant pots have proper drainage and avoid overwatering. If necessary, mix in sand or perlite to improve aeration. A drier soil environment makes it much less attractive for ants to settle in.
The best way to ensure this problem is eliminated from the beginning? Use a well-draining and perfectly aerated potting mix like Ugaoo's Pot-O-Mix!
Ants might be tiny, but they sure know how to be a nuisance! Luckily, with these simple and natural tricks, you can evict them from your plant soil without using harsh chemicals.
Whether it’s soapy water, cinnamon, or keeping your soil dry, there’s a solution for every plant parent. So, say goodbye to those uninvited guests and let your plants thrive in peace!
