When ants have made a full-time home in the rootball of one of my potted plants, I use a cheap, non-toxic substance to get rid of them. It’s called water.
I’ll explain how I go about this using the example of one of my coffee plants, which last week became the home to an Argentine ant colony and needed the water treatment.
First, I get a bucket that is slightly bigger than the pot and put the pot into the bucket. Then I fill the bucket with water until the water line is above the pot’s mix. Pot in bucket. Filled with water above mix level.
I leave the pot underwater until I see no more ants emerging, giving them plenty of time to run far away from the potted plant to find a new home. This usually takes three or four hours.
Lift the pot out of the bucket and let it drain. I like to let it drain near a plant I want to water so that no water is wasted.
That’s it. The ants are gone. Coffee plant back with his friends under the shade of an oak tree.
Will the ants come back? Possibly. In my experience, they sometimes do and sometimes don’t. If they do, simply repeat the process. It’s not very time consuming, and it certainly isn’t costly.
Those are two advantages of this control method. Another is that it waters your plant, thoroughly. Also, it is not harmful to the plant. I’ve even done it to plants whose roots are exceptionally sensitive to low oxygen, such as avocados, and the plants haven’t shown any suffering.
This water bath treatment doesn’t even harm the ants, really; it only forces them to migrate. Nor does it appear to hurt any other critters living in the potting mix. I sometimes see worms at the surface of the potting mix after this immersion, but the worms just dig back into the mix once the water is drained out.
Here’s a three-minute video where I get rid of the ants in the pot of the coffee plant:
I get to write these Yard Posts and not clutter them with ads because of your direct support. Thank you, Supporters!
Baby’s breath is a beautiful flowering plant that can add a delicate wispy touch to any floral arrangement or garden. But these ethereal blooms also attract some unwanted guests – ants! Ants are drawn to the nectar that baby’s breath produces. Once ants take up residence on your baby’s breath plant they can be pesky to both the plant and you. So how do you get rid of ants on baby’s breath? Read on for a complete guide.
Why Ants Love Baby’s Breath
Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar that baby’s breath flowers produce. They also seek out the aphids that are often found on baby’s breath plants. Aphids secrete a sugary substance called honeydew that ants love
Ants will farm and protect aphid colonies on plants including baby’s breath to ensure access to this sweet treat. Getting rid of aphids is one way to also deter ants.
Dangers of Ants on Baby’s Breath
While they seem harmless, an ant infestation can actually pose a few risks:
-
Damage to flowers and buds: Ants can chew on flowers and prevent new buds from forming. This reduces blooms.
-
Spread of plant diseases: Ants often carry disease spores on their bodies that they inadvertently spread from plant to plant.
-
Annoying garden visitors: Ants crawling on baby’s breath or nearby garden furniture are a nuisance.
-
Aphid farming: By protecting aphids, ants allow these damaging pests to multiply.
Getting rid of ants protects your baby’s breath and keeps your garden pest-free.
Identifying Ants on Baby’s Breath
There are many ant species, so identifying the type in your garden helps you choose the best removal method. Common garden ants include:
-
Black garden ants: About 1/4-inch long and black in color, these are one of the most common ant species. They don’t sting but can bite.
-
Pharaoh ants: Tiny light yellow or orange ants that are only 1/16-inch long. They love sweet foods and are common indoors and outdoors.
-
Pavement ants: About 1/8 to 1/4-inch long and black or brown. They build nests in soil or under rocks and pavers.
-
Argentine ants: Brown ants that are 1/8-inch long. They infest gardens and also invade homes.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants on Baby’s Breath
For an eco-friendly approach, try these natural home remedies:
Use Neem Oil
Pure neem oil or neem-based insecticides are safe for plants. Spray neem oil on ant trails and other areas they frequent to deter them. Neem oil kills some ants and repels others. It also smothers aphid colonies.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
This powder made from fossilized algae has sharp edges that cut and kill insects. Spread diatomaceous earth around the base of plants to create a deadly barrier for ants. Reapply after rain or watering.
Make a Vinegar Spray
A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water helps repel ants. The vinegar disrupts the scent trails ants use to navigate. Spray it directly on the plant and soil.
Use Coffee Grounds
Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your garden beds. The grounds mask ant scent trails and repel the ants. Their abrasive texture also deters ants from crossing.
Grow Mint
Mint repels ants naturally. Plant it around your garden or sprinkle crushed mint leaves around baby’s breath plants.
Invite Ant Predators
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that feed on ants in your garden. You can also buy ant-killing nematodes to apply to the soil.
Chemical Ant Treatments for Baby’s Breath
If natural methods aren’t working or you have a severe infestation, try:
Ant Baits
Baits draw ants in and the workers bring the poison back to kill the colony. Place bait stations near plants according to package directions.
Insecticidal Soap
Spray soapy water on ants and aphids to kill them on contact. Insecticidal soap won’t harm plants when used properly.
Ant Sprays
Look for sprays made for outdoor use that you can apply to ant trails, nests, and other areas they congregate.
Prevention Tips
Good garden hygiene and maintenance helps avoid ant infestations:
-
Inspect plants frequently for signs of ants and aphids. Catch invasions early.
-
Remove debris, weeds, and thick mulch that offers ant nesting sites.
-
Prune overhanging branches ants can use to access plants.
-
Clean up food spills that can attract ants quickly.
-
Ensure plants get adequate water and nutrients to resist pests.
The Bottom Line
Ants are a common garden pest drawn to the sweet nectar of baby’s breath. An infestation can damage plants and be annoying. Identify the ants in your garden first. Mild cases can be treated with natural methods like neem oil and vinegar sprays. For severe infestations, ant baits or insecticidal soap give fast results. Prevention techniques like garden cleanliness and plant health will also deter ants. With the right tactics, you can enjoy an ant-free baby’s breath garden.
Welcome . . .
Im Greg. My goal is to help you grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. I write a new “Yard Post” every Friday.
Become a Yard Posts SUPPORTER like these cool people:
Frank Y, Colin S, gmjford, Rich C, Shawn C, billiame, Jeff R, WLC, John D, Robert B, Doug S, generalkobe, Michele, Soupy, Nick G, Lindsea And Sawyer, Tom K, Nicole R, Debra M, Darren A, BigOrangeTabby, Norma M, Marilyn F, Marty W, Sarah, litng, LiviOnTheCoast, Diane B, Kelly R, Dave F, aguaje, Randy B, tomatochild, Warford Farms, Michele G, msassi, cha4les, mmazloff, JJfromOC, tbschulz, Kathryn, Sam B, Sheila D, Khoang, espiro, Duke 360, Chitong C, Adrien P, Greg and Kerry Ann H, Sylmar Dal, Steve McF, Stan, Susan R, socalgardner, tonyram, hvicente, Lindsay L, Michelle, Gabe C, James N, Kim O, Minerva M, Vanya K, Phillip T, Vasco O, Anne K, Laura T, Dan P, William D, Robert M, Brownieb3, Seyburn Z, Vistashaws, Palinka, rourkecarey, pboynton, go2jane, El Heff, acahni, vicksterh, Linda R, Nick R, Ellen S, Rach F, Jen L, Jessica V, MB, Janbob, LesliePoway, 10445chantel, CynF, kropper8, Helen, Barb, KariAIst, ettie9161, kdonohoe, John B, larayna, Fred, Court, MGvonhoffmnn, saralou, Carmen, Rob S, mjbcpa, slee, Damien H, Alethea, Jamie P, immaterial, vasanthak, mattvan01, Possum, Denny B, Jodi B, Richard A, Donna B, cshaw2049, Bobbie D, Kendra M, Steve S, Julianne, Jwaldemar, JCorte, Robin D, Richard R, Caliocean, Sara H, KrisClem, Jerseyguy, Carmen M, Peggy H, HappyBeeSD, randyihenglee, Julie W, Ken K, Marty W, YGrow, Palinka, Ramona, rclevin5, vgapeyev, Avos in L A, Richard S, Peter K, Robin, DavidSD, Judy C, Rodman, James N, Tim S, Jamie M, Betty W, Gregory C, Bob G, Scott M, Timberly E, Cynthia M, Circe JL, Bob P, Helen P, Jason L, Wendoline I, Joe K, Nikki N, Tim L, Kathryn W, Michele GT, Michael W, Joe C, Erica R, Donna S, Christine L, Robert M, Matt S, Karen P, Gil B, Kerry H, Stacy M, Jeff F, Cara C, Kimberly H, Carol J, Dan H, Iona G, Teresa D, Bill M, Anne R, Trisha B, Scott S, Robert K, Rick E, Douglas Y, Michael E, Jessie W, Liz G, Anandamayi B, Evan R, Rachel L, James N, Marissa V, Marcos M, Joerg S, Tim C, Marilyn K, Kyla R, Farshad R, Eli H, Mika O, Susan B, Sheila D, Joshua F, Tanya H, Matthew N, Maile B, Savanna K, Audrey T, Anna N, Jessica R, Axel J, Tim S, Brandon S, Kevin O, Susan D, Ming D, Kara D, Heidi D, Bryan C, Paul V, Jordan W, Karen S, Kevin N, Nestor O, Lalo K, Dave D, Eileen A, Jacques P, Bruce B, Khalil S, Jeanette R, Peggy B, Tom F, Terri B, Laura T, Carol J, Rashmikant T, Oly A, Eric N, Daniel R, Anupama P, Peter S, Bill B, Zach T, Scott C, Allen S, Peter M, Cheryl S, Michael M, Gail A, Marcia F, Hannah C, Mala T, LeAnne B, Madeleine T, Gavin M, John M, Al G, Joshua S, Doni C, Chris U, Mark B, Beth J, Peter R, Sarah N, Valerie W, Travis L, Gregory M, Mark R, Madaline D, Lin B, Susan F, Deana L, Elizabeth A, Vibeke W, Paul L, Barbette C, James N, Laura R, Barbara M
Get Rid of Ants: Fast, Cheap and Easy
FAQ
How do I get rid of ants in my potted plants?
How to get rid of ants without killing plants?
Does soapy water kill ants on plants?
What to put in soil to kill ants?
How do you keep ants away from plants?
To protect plants, simply sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the plant. For large flowerbed or garden spaces, sprinkle it all throughout the garden area. You can also sprinkle it around the entire perimeter of bed spaces to keep ants from crossing into the space. For extremely bad infestations, mix the cinnamon directly into the soil.
How do you get rid of ants naturally?
1. Use vinegar and water solution. You can get rid of ants by making a homemade vinegar and water solution. Vinegar is a great natural ant killer, and it’s safe for both humans and plants. To make your own ant spray, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on areas where you’ve seen ants.
How to get rid of ants in potted plants?
You can solve the problem with natural and even non-violent solutions, without using chemicals and insecticides. Possibly the easiest and most convenient method to get rid of ants in potted plants is to use essential oils (thyme, yarrow, lavender or citrus), pour a few drops in a spray bottle full of water then spray the plant, soil and pot.
Can ants damage a garden?
Ants cause very little damage in the garden, although if they build a nest in a plant pot then the rootball of the plant may be compromised and cause wilting of the plant. Ant hills in long grass can be annoying but not harmful to either the lawn or the garden.