Ants are a common pest in the garden. They can be very destructive and hard to remove. However, it is possible to get rid of ants in the garden and prevent them from returning by using a few simple techniques.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Understanding the most effective methods for getting rid of ants can save you time, money and energy. |
| – To prevent the return of ants, it is important to eliminate their food and water sources, keeping your home clean and tidy, and sealing entry points. |
| – Natural substances such as vinegar, peppermint oil, and coffee grounds can effectively deter ants. |
| – For a more severe ant infestation, using pesticide baits is an effective way to eliminate the entire colony, including the queen. |
| – There are several resources available online that offer tips and tricks on how to get rid of ants effectively, including organic solutions and DIY methods. |
Use Cornmeal
Sprinkle cornmeal on the ground around your garden.
Do not use it near plants, as the ants will bring it back to their nests and use it to grow fungus.
Do not use it near ant hills (known as “mud volcanoes”), as they will draw the ants away from your plants and into the ant hill instead.
Use a large container of cornmeal; in fact, if you have an entire army of ants invading your garden, buy ten pounds or more at once! You may need that much cornmeal to get rid of all of them at once!
Another option is using small containers—300 grams per square foot should do just fine. Just make sure there is enough for all those pesky little critters who think they can take over your yard without paying their dues by taking care of nature herself first…
If you are struggling with pesky ants invading your home, you may be wondering how to get rid of them permanently. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can try that have been proven effective. Learn more about how to get rid of ants permanently with the help of an experienced exterminator in our guide on eradicating ants.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide that can be used to control ants. It’s safe for humans and pets, but it may kill other insects like ladybugs, crickets, and spiders if they eat it.
It’s best to apply diatomaceous earth during the evening when ants are less active. You’ll need to reapply after rain or watering your plants so that the diatomaceous earth doesn’t wash away into the ground.
It’s important to know what type of DE you’re using before applying it! There are three types: food grade (used in gardens), swimming pool grade (for pools), and industrial grade (for flea treatment).
Use Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a great way to get rid of ants. You can use coffee grounds as bait, or you can create a barrier around your garden with them. You can also use it as an insecticide!
You have access to coffee grounds by making some at home, or buying them at the store (if you don’t have a coffee maker at home).
Just make sure they’re not too old and moldy before using them in your garden: if they look like they’ve gone bad, it’s probably best to throw them out instead of using them for this purpose.
Here are three ways that you can use coffee grounds for getting rid of ants:
As bait – put some on top of their nest entrance so that when the ants go back inside after finding food outside (particularly from other sources), they’ll pick up the scent of the bate and carry it back into their nest where all their friends will eat it too!
This will kill off many more than just those who touch directly onto your bait; this method works especially well when there is only one entrance point into an area where most ant activity occurs.
Spray With Soapy Water
If you want to go the environmentally-friendly route, you can use a spray bottle filled with soapy water to eliminate ants from your garden. Soapy water is less toxic than other options and will not harm children or animals if they consume it.
If the ant infestation is in your home and there are no pets or children around, you can use a spray bottle of vinegar or bleach diluted with water. Make sure to keep pets away from these solutions as well!
Ants can be a nuisance when they invade your outdoor space, especially when you are trying to relax and enjoy your yard. But there are steps you can take to get rid of ants outside for good. Check out our guide on eliminating ants outside for 10 tips to create a bug-free yard
Lay Down Some Plastic
The best way to get rid of ants, in my opinion, is to use a sheet of plastic or a piece of cardboard. Place it over the ant trail and leave it in place for 24 hours.
Remove the plastic and replace it with a fresh piece. The ants will take this as an invitation to move into their new home under your garden bedding plants or lawn furniture, where they can’t be easily seen or reached by people who don’t want them there.
The only drawback to using these methods is that they require a lot of work on your part—and if you’re dealing with hundreds (or thousands) of ants, it can seem like an impossible task!
But don’t give up! Just keep trying different things until you find one that works for you…and remember: patience pays off!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Environmentally unfriendly |
| Easy to set up | Aesthetic concerns |
| Prevents ant tunnels and mounds | Non-biodegradable |
| Helps to suffocate the ant colony | Only effective on a small scale |
| Can be covered with mulch or stones to improve aesthetics | May not provide long-term solution |
Set Out A Bait Trap
Set out a bait trap. The ants will take the bait back to their nest, where it’s picked up by other ants who eat it and die.
The dead ants will decompose, attracting more ants to the location. As they move in, they’ll touch the poison and become poisoned themselves—and so on until the colony is completely wiped out!
Fire ants can be a major problem in many parts of the country, but there is a secret to eradicating them. Boric acid has been proven to be effective in killing fire ants and preventing them from returning. Learn more about using boric acid to get rid of fire ants in our helpful guide.
Spray With Orange Oil Spray
Orange oil spray is a natural insect repellent that can be used to repel ants from your garden or other areas where you don’t want them.
It’s safe for humans, pets, and the environment, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something more eco-friendly than chemical sprays.
The spray has a citrusy scent that will help keep ants away from your plants without spraying harmful chemicals across your garden soil.
You can make orange oil spray at home using ingredients like orange peels and water in a blender or food processor; however, if you don’t want to go through the trouble of making it yourself there are many commercially available versions out there that are effective as well!
To use this method effectively:
Spray around the perimeter of your garden every few weeks during ant season (when ants tend to be most active).
You may also want to spray directly onto plants themselves if they seem particularly vulnerable – though again this isn’t necessary since orange oil won’t harm them either way
No one wants to deal with ants crawling around their home, but keeping them out can be easier said than done. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent ants from ever coming inside. Check out our guide on keeping ants out of your house for tips and tricks from a homeowner who has successfully kept ants at bay
Crushed Mint Leaves
Crush mint leaves
Put them in a spray bottle
Spray on ant hills and around the perimeter of your garden
Ants Hate Chalk Dust
Chalk dust is a natural repellent that can be purchased at most hardware and gardening stores. It’s non-toxic, non-staining and non-poisonous, which makes it an ideal way to keep ants out of the garden without harming them or the environment.
The process of making chalk dust is simple: simply place some soft chalk in a cheesecloth bag and hang it near where you see ant activity. The ants should leave your plants alone within hours!
Garlic and Pepper Spray
Garlic and pepper spray is a natural ant repellent that you can make at home. To make it, mix 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder in a spray bottle.
Shake the mixture well to combine. Spray this mixture on any ants that you see or find their nests. You should also spray any plants around your garden so that they are not affected by the spray.
This mixture should be used only on adult ants; do not apply it to soil or plants that you intend to eat.
This solution may also affect beneficial insects such as ladybugs, so if possible try to avoid using this method if these insects are present in your garden
Dish Soap and Water Mixture
You can also use a simple mixture of dish soap and water to spray down ant trails. Mix together 1 tablespoon of dish soap for every cup of water, then add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray it on any places where you see ants.
Leave the mixture to dry, then repeat as needed. This method works best if you’re trying to get rid of carpenter ants, whose nests are usually located in wood.
Sugar ants can be a common problem in many homes, and they can be tough to get rid of. But with a few pro tips, you can create a bug-free home and keep sugar ants at bay. Discover more about getting rid of sugar ants in our guide filled with helpful tips from the pros
Conclusion
There you have it! A few simple, natural ways to get rid of ants in your garden. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
So don’t wait until your plants are infested before taking action. If you take care to keep the pests away from the start, then you’ll save yourself time and money later on down the road.
Further Reading
Tips To Control Ants In The Garden: Learn more about controlling ants in your garden with this helpful guide that includes natural solutions and tips for preventing infestations.
Ant Killer Tactics: Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Ants: This article offers comprehensive tips on how to get rid of ants quickly and efficiently making use of organic and synthetic ant killer methods.
How To Get Rid Of Ants In Your Garden: This guide offers several ways you can manage and keep your garden ant-free using common household products.
FAQs
How Do I Keep Ants Out Of My Garden?
You can keep ants out of your garden by keeping it clean, removing any food debris that can attract them, and also avoiding overwatering which creates muddy conditions which can attract ants.
What Can I Use To Keep Ants Out Of My Home Naturally?
Several organic substances help deter and get rid of ants, some of them are:
- Essential oils: Peppermint, citronella, and tea tree oil
- Vinegar
- Lemon or orange peels
- Coffee grounds
What Are Some Common Signs Of Ant Infestation Inside My Home?
Some of the common signs of ant infestation in the house are:
- Ant trails
- Piles of wood shavings, insulation or foam and other materials ants may be using to create nesting areas
- Small holes found around areas such as windows, doors, or the foundation of your home
- Presence of dirt mounds on your lawn or near your foundation
Does Baiting Ants Kill The Whole Colony?
Yes, ant baits work by targeting the entire colony of ants, including the queen. When ants carry the bait back to the nest, the whole colony, including the queen, feed on it, leading to their extermination.
How Can I Prevent Ants From Entering My Home?
Preventing ants from entering your home is easy by keeping it clean and sealing entry points. Below are some additional tips to prevent ants from getting into your home:
- Keep your kitchen tidy and clean.
- Eliminate food and water sources that may attract ants.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows and foundation to prevent ants from entering your home.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
