If you ’ve ever picked up a plant container and happen ant scrambling underneath — or worse , pouring out of the grunge — you’re not alone . ant bonk the warm , shelter environment pots provide , especially if the soil stays moist . It does n’t take long for a small colony to settle down in and make itself at plate .

The good news is that you do n’t have to give your plants to get rid of them . There are several ways to deal with ants in container , from simple deception using household items to more targeted solutions . This tilt covers 13 options you’re able to taste , depending on how spoilt the infestation is and what variety of industrial plant you ’re working with .

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural , powdery substance that works wonder for ant control . Made from ossified aquatic organisms , its abrasive grain damages the exoskeleton of ants , do them to dehydrate and perish .

dust it munificently around the understructure of your plant container . It ’s essential to reapply after watering or pelting , as moisture diminishes its strength . This method is ideal for constitutive gardener seeking a chemical - detached solution .

For best result , sustain a teetotal surround , as Diatomaceous Earth loses potency when wet . Ants will avoid crossing treated areas , ensuring your plants remain unharmed .

Here Are 13 Ways to Get Rid of Ants Nesting in Plant Containers

Neem Oil Solution

Neem oil is a versatile , natural pesticide derive from the seeds of the neem tree . Known for its insect - repelling properties , it ’s an first-class choice for ant ascendency .

To make an ant - repelling spray , mix in neem oil with water system and a few drops of dish soap . Apply this mixture around your plant container . The strong scent deters ants while being safe for flora and beneficial insects .

Regular app is key , especially after rain . Neem oil colour provides a threefold benefit , as it also combats other pests like aphids , ensuring a healthier garden environment .

Diatomaceous Earth

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Vinegar and Water Spray

A intermixture of acetum and water is a simple yet efficient ant deterrent . The warm scent of vinegar break up ant trails , preventing them from returning .

Combine adequate parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle . Apply munificently around your works containers , focalize on area where ants are most active .

This method is safe for most flora but should be tested on a small area first to avert potential harm . Reapplication is necessary after watering . This lifelike approach offers a household - friendly solution to your ant problem .

Diatomaceous Earth

Cinnamon Barrier

Who roll in the hay your spice single-foot held a clandestine weapon against ants ? Cinnamon , with its strong aroma , acts as a instinctive deterrent .

splash dry land cinnamon bark around your plant container to create a barrier that ants prefer to avoid . instead , use cinnamon essential oil diluted in water for a more potent spray alternative .

This aromatic access not only deters ants but can be a pleasant addition to your garden ’s scent profile . Regular app , especially after rainfall , keep this method acting effective . It ’s a clever , fragrant direction to protect your plants naturally .

Neem Oil Solution

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Borax and Sugar Bait

Borax , when combined with sugar , becomes a powerful ant bait . The scratch lures ant in , while the borax disrupts their digestive systems , finally carry off them .

Mix borax and sugar in equal region , and add a little water to form a spread . shoes small amounts near the ant track around your containers .

Be cautious with placement , as borax can be harmful to pets and human being . This method acting targets the intact colony , ensuring long - terminus control . It ’s an efficient solution for those see to undertake larger infestations with minimal effort .

Neem Oil Solution

Boiling Water Method

Boiling water is a straightforward , yet extremely effective method for ant control . By pouring it directly onto ant mound , you may significantly trim back their population .

This method should be used with caveat , as boiling water can harm your plants if not applied cautiously . Focus on the ant trails leading to your containers .

Repeated applications may be necessary for larger nests . It ’s an quick , chemical - free result that can be easily follow out , especially for out-of-door planting . This proficiency offer a simple and direct way to dissuade ants around your plants .

Vinegar and Water Spray

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Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil , with its refreshing smell , is disliked by ants . This essential oil serves as both a deterrent and a pleasant improver to your garden ’s atmosphere .

Mix a few drops of peppermint gum oil with water and spray around your plant container . The strong scent masks ant trails , disconcert them and steering them aside from your plants .

This method is arrant for those who choose a natural , fragrant solution . even use enhances its effectiveness , and as a bonus , it also force back other insects , adding an supernumerary layer of protection .

Vinegar and Water Spray

Talcum Powder Barrier

Talcum powder , commonly found in households , can create a simple yet effective barrier against ants . Its fine grain disrupts their scent trails , making navigation difficult .

Sprinkle talc powder generously around the base of your works containers . It acts as a physical barrier , deter pismire from cross over .

This non - toxic method is safe for plant and favourite , make it an accessible option for many gardeners . Reapplication might be call for after rainwater or watering , ensuring on-going protection . It ’s a square way to keep emmet at bay by nature .

Cinnamon Barrier

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Chalk Line Deterrent

Chalk , an everyday item , can surprisingly deter ant . The powdery texture disrupts their smell lead , dish out as a roadblock they hesitate to cross .

pull a boneheaded line of deoxyephedrine around your plant containers . This method is specially useful for indoor flora , where rain wo n’t wash away the barrier .

While simple , chalk need to be reapplied on a regular basis to assert effectiveness . It ’s a fast , child - friendly solvent that adds a playful touch to pest control . Plus , it does n’t harm your plants , pee-pee it a secure selection for ant management .

Cinnamon Barrier

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee bean reason are more than just waste ; they can help repel ants effectively . The strong olfactory property confuses emmet , disrupting their lead and make your garden less inviting .

diffuse the coffee grounds around the base of your plant life container . Not only do they deter ants , but they also enrich the soil with nutrients , benefiting your plants .

This eco - friendly method acting is perfect for coffee lovers looking to reuse permissive waste beneficially . Regular covering enhances its effectiveness , keeping ants at Laurus nobilis while parent your plants .

Borax and Sugar Bait

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Soap and Water Solution

A childlike soap and water answer is an effective ant deterrent . The max disrupts the pismire ’ prison cell membranes and transfer their scent trail .

Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle . Apply instantly on ants and their trails around your plant containers .

This method acting is safe for most industrial plant , but it ’s wise to test on a minor area first . Regular use , specially after rain , maintains its effectiveness . It ’s an light , homemade remedy that tackles emmet without harsh chemicals .

Borax and Sugar Bait

Citrus Peels

Citrus peels , often throw out , can be repurposed as ant deterrents . The strong aroma of citrus confuses ants , head them away from your plants .

aim fresh citrus fruit peels around your plant containers , sharpen on entry points . As they dry out , their perfume diminishes , so regular replacement is necessary .

This method adds a zestful fragrance to your garden while keeping ants at bay . It ’s a sustainable recycling option , perfect for those seek a natural pesterer ascendance method . Enjoy the added benefit of a citrus tree - scented garden .

Boiling Water Method

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Commercial Ant Traps

For those facing persistent ant job , commercial-grade ant traps offer a reliable root . These traps check sweetener that lure ants in , where they consume a slow - acting poison .

blank space lying in wait near the ant lead around your plant container . The ants carry the poisonous substance back to the settlement , targeting the rootage of the problem .

While efficient , it ’s significant to keep trap out of reach of fry and pets . This method supply a farseeing - term solution for heavy infestation , ensuring your plants remain undisturbed by ant bodily function .

Boiling Water Method

Peppermint Essential Oil

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Peppermint Essential Oil

Talcum Powder Barrier

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Talcum Powder Barrier

Chalk Line Deterrent

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Chalk Line Deterrent

Coffee Grounds

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Coffee Grounds

Soap and Water Solution

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Soap and Water Solution

Citrus Peels

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Citrus Peels