Deirdre O Meara As the weather gets warmer, ants can become a pesky problem for gardeners. Not only do they infiltrate your outdoor space, but they can also wreak havoc on your plants. While pesticides may seem like the obvious solution, they can also harm your greenery. Jordan Foster of Fantastic Pest Control has shared seven household items that can be used to banish ants from your garden without resorting to chemicals.
Firstly, orange peel can be a great solution. Foster explains that the organic components in the peel are toxic to the fungi that ants love to eat. By spreading the peels around your garden, you can make it less appealing to ants.
Cayenne pepper is another great option. Sprinkle it in a line across your garden to keep ants away. They are sensitive to smell, and the seasoning should deter them. However, it is important to note that you will need to reapply it if the line is broken or if it rains.
Hot water is also a simple and effective solution. Pour boiling water down ant nest entrances to eradicate them.
A solution of washing up liquid, baking soda, and water can also prove fatal to ants. Mix two teaspoons of washing up liquid with four tablespoons of baking soda in one gallon of water and use it to spray and/or flood their nests, eradicating the whole ant colony.
Cinnamon is another natural ingredient that can repel ants. Like cayenne pepper, it doesn’t kill the insects but simply repels them. Foster says this is a more humane method than other options.
Borax and sugar can also be used to destroy ant colonies. Mix them together to create a gel and drop small pieces near the ant nests. Worker ants will eat some of the mixture as the sugar attracts them. They will also take the rest of it to the nest for the queen and other ants. Foster explains that the boric acid in the borax will kill the ants after some time. However, it is important to note that this mixture is toxic to both humans and animals.
Finally, nematodes can be purchased online and used to spray ant nests. These small worms eat ants but won’t damage your plants.
While ants aren’t dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance in the garden. By using these natural solutions, you can banish them without harming your plants or resorting to chemicals.
