How to Get Rid of Ants in the Garden
Ants can be a real problem in the garden. They can damage plants, take over the garden, and even bite humans and pets. It’s important to know how to get rid of ants in the garden so you can maintain a healthy and thriving garden. Here are 20 steps to get rid of ants in the garden:
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Identify the Ant Species
The first step in getting rid of ants in the garden is to identify the species of ant. This can help you determine the best method for getting rid of them. Common ant species that you may find in your garden include:
- Argentine ants
- Carpenter ants
- Fire ants
- Odorous house ants
- Pavement ants
If you’re not sure what species of ant you’re dealing with, you can catch a few of them and bring them to your local garden center or extension office for identification.
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Eliminate Food Sources
Ants are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to eliminate any potential food sources in your garden. This includes:
- Spilled food or drinks
- Fruit fallen from trees or plants
- Crushed or rotting plant material
- Open garbage or compost bins
By eliminating these food sources, you remove the attraction for ants and make them less likely to stay in your garden.
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Remove Standing Water
Ants are attracted to standing water, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of standing water in your garden. This includes:
- Clogged gutters
- Birdbaths
- Containers that collect water
By removing standing water, you eliminate a potential source of attraction for ants.
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Seal Entry Points
One way to get rid of ants in the garden is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, or doors to prevent ants from coming inside. In your garden, check for any cracks or gaps in fencing, gates, or other structures that could be used as entry points for ants.
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Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps can be an effective way to get rid of ants in the garden. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that ants get stuck on. Place the traps in areas where ants are active in your garden, such as around the base of plants or near ant hills.
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Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide that can be effective in killing ants. This powder is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms and works by dehydrating ants. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your garden or around ant hills to get rid of ants.
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Apply Borax and Sugar Bait
Borax and sugar bait can be an effective way to get rid of ants in the garden. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar in a small bowl and place it near ant hills or in areas where ants are active. The sugar attracts the ants, and the borax kills them. Be careful with this method as borax can be toxic.
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Plant Ant-Repellent Plants
Planting ant-repellent plants in your garden can be an effective way to deter ants from coming into your garden. These plants include:
- Marigolds
- Mint
- Lavender
- Tansy
The strong scents of these plants can mask the scents of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Use Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a natural ant repellent that can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of cinnamon can mask the scent of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Apply Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can be an effective way to deter ants from coming into your garden. Sprinkle the coffee grounds around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of coffee can mask the scent of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Apply Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural ant repellent that can deter ants from coming into your garden. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of vinegar can mask the scent of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural ant repellent that can be applied similarly to vinegar. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills.
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Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural and non-toxic way to get rid of ants in the garden. Some essential oils that can repel ants include:
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender oil
- Citrus oil
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills.
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Apply Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a natural and non-toxic way to get rid of ants in the garden. Sprinkle cornmeal around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The ants will eat the cornmeal and their digestive systems can’t handle it, causing the ants to die.
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Use Hot Pepper
Hot pepper can be a natural way to deter ants from coming into your garden. Mix hot pepper flakes with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The spiciness of the hot pepper can deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Use Dish Soap
Dish soap can be an effective way to get rid of ants in the garden. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The soap can kill ants by breaking down their exoskeleton.
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Apply Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be used to create a barrier that ants can’t cross. Apply petroleum jelly around the base of plants or around ant hills to prevent ants from climbing up.
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Use Copper Tape
Copper tape can be an effective way to deter ants from coming into your garden. Place copper tape around the base of plants or around ant hills to create a barrier that ants can’t cross.
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Use Ammonia
Ammonia can be a natural way to deter ants from coming into your garden. Mix equal parts of ammonia and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of ammonia can mask the scent of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Use Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea can be a natural way to get rid of ants in the garden. Brew a strong cup of peppermint tea and pour the tea around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of peppermint can deter ants from coming into your garden.
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Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda can be an effective way to get rid of ants in the garden. Mix equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar in a small bowl and place it near ant hills or in areas where ants are active. The sugar attracts the ants, and the baking soda kills them.
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Use Citrus Peel
Citrus peel can be an effective way to deter ants from coming into your garden. Place citrus peel around the perimeter of your garden or near ant hills. The strong scent of citrus can mask the scent of food and deter ants from coming into your garden.
FAQ
What are some signs of an ant infestation in the garden?
Signs of an ant infestation in the garden include:
- Ant hills
- Ants crawling on plants
- Damage to plants, such as wilting or yellowing leaves
- Bite marks on humans or pets
Are ants harmful to plants?
Ants aren’t harmful to plants in and of themselves, but they can damage plants indirectly. Ants can protect plant-damaging pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests secrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew that ants feed on. In return, ants protect these pests from predators and parasites. This can lead to stunted plant growth and reduced yields.
How can I prevent ants from coming into my garden?
To prevent ants from coming into your garden, eliminate potential food sources and standing water. Seal entry points into your home and garden. Plant ant-repellent plants and use natural ant repellents like cinnamon, essential oils, and vinegar.
How can I get rid of ants in my house?
To get rid of ants in your house, follow these steps:
- Identify the species of ant
- Eliminate food sources
- Seal entry points
- Use ant baits
- Use natural ant repellents like vinegar or essential oils
- Call a professional exterminator if the infestation is severe
Why are ants attracted to my house?
Ants are attracted to houses because they can find food and water sources inside. Ants can also enter homes through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, or doors.
Kesimpulan
Getting rid of ants in the garden requires a multi-faceted approach. By identifying the ant species, eliminating food sources and standing water, sealing entry points, and using natural ant repellents, you can keep your garden free of ants and thriving. It’s important to remember that some ant species can be beneficial to your garden, so it’s important to only get rid of them if they’re causing damage or harm.