Ants are a common sight in gardens and outdoor spaces, and while they may seem harmless, they can quickly become a nuisance when they start invading your plants, flowers, and vegetables.
Many people resort to chemical pesticides to get rid of ants but these products harm not only ants but also other beneficial insects and organisms in your garden.
Effective eco-friendly methods of ant control
There are several natural and eco-friendly ways to repel ants from your garden without using harmful chemicals. These methods are not only safe for the environment but are also safe for you, your family, and your pets.
They are also often less expensive and can be just as effective as chemical pesticides.
Some of the most effective natural methods to get rid of ants in your garden include the use of common household items such as vinegar, cinnamon and calamondin citrus peels, as well as natural products like diatomaceous earth and peppermint oil.
Whether you are dealing with a small ant problem or a larger infestation, these natural methods will help you maintain a healthy and thriving garden while keeping ants at bay.
What kills ants but won’t kill plants?
When dealing with ants in your garden, it’s important to choose methods that will eliminate the ants without harming your plants. Here are some natural solutions that can kill ants without harming your plants:
- Diatomaceous Earth
This natural substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and is an effective ant repellent.
Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your garden, focusing on areas where ants are present.
The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth particles will cut into the ants’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
- Cinnamon
Ants are repelled by the strong scent of cinnamon, making it an effective natural ant repellent. Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the perimeter of your garden or along ant trails to deter them from entering your garden.
- Boiling Water
Pour boiling water directly onto ant hills to kill the ants and destroy the nest. This method is safe for plants as long as you pour the water only on the ant hill.
- Citrus Peels
Ants are repelled by the smell of citrus. Place orange or lemon peels around the perimeter of your garden or sprinkle citrus juice in areas where you see ants. This method is safe for plants and will also provide nutrients to the soil.
- Essential oils
Certain essential oils such as tea tree oil and peppermint oil can be used as natural insecticides to kill ants without harming plants. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto ant trails or nests.
- Borax and sugar
Borax can be used as a bait to attract ants and kill them. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar and place the mixture near ant trails or nests.
The sugar will attract the ants, while the borax will kill them. It’s important to use caution when using borax, as it can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets.
- Chalk
Chalk is a natural substance that can be used to repel ants. Simply draw a line with chalk around the perimeter of your garden or around the area where ants are present. The calcium carbonate in the chalk will repel ants and prevent them from crossing the line.
Identify type of ants in your garden
It is important to identify the type of ants you have in your garden and target your treatment accordingly. Some ants are beneficial for your garden and should not be eliminated.
Will vinegar kill ants in the garden?
Vinegar is a common household item that has been used for centuries as a natural cleaning agent, disinfectant, and pest repellent.
When it comes to getting rid of ants in the garden, vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly solution that helps deter ants from invading your outdoor space.
The strong smell of vinegar disrupts the scent trails that ants use to navigate, which makes it difficult for them to find food and water sources in your garden.
Yes and No
While vinegar may not necessarily kill ants, it can be used as a direct contact insecticide to kill individual ants or disrupt their nests.
When vinegar comes in contact with an ant’s body, it can cause the ant to lose its natural chemical balance and die. This method can be effective in killing individual ants, but it may not be effective for larger ant infestations.
How to use vinegar to get rid of ants
Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto ant trails, nests, and around the perimeter of your garden.
It is important to avoid spraying the vinegar solution directly onto your plants, as the acidity of the vinegar can harm delicate foliage and flowers.
Instead, focus on spraying the solution in areas where ants are present, such as cracks in the pavement or along the edges of garden beds.
Downside to use of vinegar
It is important to note that vinegar may not work for all types of ants. Some ants are more resilient to vinegar than others, and they may continue to invade your garden even after using vinegar as a repellent.
Additionally, vinegar can lower the pH of your soil over time, which is harmful to some plants, therefore use vinegar sparingly and only when necessary to avoid any damage to your plants or to the environment.
Conclusion on use of vinegar in removing ants
Overall, vinegar can be an effective natural solution to repel ants in your garden. It may not necessarily kill ants but it can help deter them from invading your garden while disrupting their nests.
If you are dealing with large ant infestation, consider using other natural methods in addition to vinegar to ensure that you are effectively getting rid of ants while protecting your plants and the environment.