Ants on plants can be a common issue for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. While ants themselves may not directly harm your plants, their presence often indicates other problems, such as aphids or scale insects. These pests produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants for its sugary content. Understanding why ants are on your plants and addressing the root cause can help you protect your greenery and maintain a healthy garden. This guide explores the key aspects of how to get ants off plants.
Why Are Ants Attracted to Plants?
Ants are primarily attracted to plants because of the presence of pests like aphids, whiteflies, or scale insects. These pests excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew, which serves as a major food source for ants. The symbiotic relationship between ants and these pests benefits both parties—ants protect the pests from predators, ensuring a continuous supply of honeydew. Additionally, ants may be drawn to plants with nectar-producing flowers or extra-floral nectaries, further enticing them to linger. Understanding these attractions is crucial for identifying the underlying issues and effectively managing the ant population in your garden.
Signs of an Ant Infestation on Plants
Detecting an ant infestation on your plants requires careful observation of specific signs. One of the most obvious indicators is the presence of ants actively crawling on the plant stems, leaves, or surrounding soil. You may also notice an unusual buildup of sticky residue, known as honeydew, on the plant surfaces or the ground beneath them, which often attracts ants.
This sticky substance is typically accompanied by sooty mold, a black, powdery fungus that grows on honeydew and can further damage the plant. Another telltale sign is the clustering of aphids, scale insects, or mealybugs on the plants, as these pests are often “farmed” by ants for their honeydew production. Small mounds of soil around the plant base may also indicate the presence of ant nests nearby. Identifying these signs early is crucial for addressing the infestation and protecting your plants.
10 Methods How to Get Ants off Plants
1. Eliminate Aphids and Other Honeydew-Producing Insects
The first and most important step in ant control is dealing with the real reason they’re there—plant-sucking pests. Ants are drawn to the honeydew excreted by insects like aphids, whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs. To break the cycle, inspect your plants closely—especially the undersides of leaves and stems—for clusters of these pests. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, and follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil every few days. By removing the source of the ants’ food, you take away their motivation for lingering on your plants.
2. Use a Homemade Soap Spray
A simple and effective way to deter ants from plants is to use a homemade insecticidal soap spray. Mix a few drops of mild liquid dish soap (like Castile soap) with water in a spray bottle—typically 1 teaspoon per quart of water. Spray the solution directly on the ants and their trails, as well as on the plant foliage where they’re most active. The soap breaks down their protective outer layer and interferes with their pheromone trails. This method is gentle on most plants but always test a small area first to ensure it won’t damage sensitive leaves.
3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth Around Plant Bases
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, powdery substance made from fossilized algae. To ants, it’s like crawling over razor blades. When sprinkled around the base of your plants or on the ant trails, it cuts through their exoskeletons and dehydrates them. Use food-grade DE and apply it when the soil and foliage are dry for maximum effectiveness. Reapply after rain or heavy watering. This method is particularly effective in garden beds and potted plants where chemical solutions are undesirable.
4. Create a Physical Barrier with Sticky Tape or Gel
For potted or trellised plants, you can stop ants in their tracks with a sticky barrier. Wrap double-sided tape or apply sticky insect barrier gel (like Tanglefoot) around the base of the stem, pot, or nearby support stakes. This physically traps ants as they try to climb up to the plant. Make sure the band doesn’t touch the soil, and check it regularly for debris that might give ants a bridge over it. This technique is safe, chemical-free, and highly effective for indoor and container gardening.
5. Sprinkle Cinnamon or Cayenne Pepper
Certain strong-smelling spices, such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper, disrupt ant trails and repel them naturally. Sprinkle these powders generously around the base of your plants or directly on ant trails. The strong scent masks the ants’ pheromones, confusing them and encouraging them to move elsewhere. While this method may require reapplication after watering or rain, it’s an all-natural, kid- and pet-safe alternative that can be part of your overall ant-repelling strategy.
6. Use Vinegar Spray to Erase Trails
Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate to and from their food source. To disrupt these trails, make a vinegar spray by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray this solution along the paths ants take—on walls, pots, soil surfaces, and even directly on the ants. The vinegar erases the scent trail and makes the area less attractive. Avoid spraying directly on plant foliage, as vinegar is acidic and can damage leaves. It’s best used around pots or non-plant surfaces.
7. Apply Orange or Citrus Peel Solutions
Citrus oils are toxic to ants and naturally break down their scent trails. You can blend citrus peels (especially orange, lemon, or lime) with water and a little dish soap in a blender, then pour or spray the solution around your plant base and infested areas. Let it sit for a few hours before rinsing. Not only does this method repel ants, but the pleasant citrus smell freshens the garden. The peels themselves can also be dried and scattered in ant-prone areas as a natural deterrent.
8. Relocate Potted Plants Temporarily
If ants have infested a potted plant, it might be helpful to temporarily relocate it. Set the pot in a bucket or tray filled with soapy water just below the rim of the pot. The ants trying to climb up or down will be trapped in the water. During this time, prune off infested plant parts and clean the pot’s exterior thoroughly. After a couple of days, return the plant to its original location, ideally with some of the other prevention methods in place to discourage reinfestation.
9. Encourage Natural Predators
Sometimes, the most effective way to deal with an insect problem is by letting nature do the work. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on aphids and other pests ants protect. You can attract them by planting nectar-rich flowers such as dill, fennel, or yarrow near your garden. With fewer sap-sucking pests, ants will lose their primary food source and leave the plants alone. This ecological approach supports long-term balance in your garden ecosystem.
10. Use Ant Baits Outside of Planting Area
While you should avoid placing chemical ant baits directly in plant pots or garden beds, you can strategically place them nearby—along ant trails or at the base of walls or fences. Ants will carry the bait back to the nest, gradually reducing the colony size. Choose sugar-based or protein-based baits depending on the ants’ preferences. Use this method cautiously if you have children or pets, and always read the labels. When used wisely, baits can be an effective way to attack the root of the problem while keeping your plants safe.
Things to Consider When Using Ant Baits
- Placement is Key – Ensure ant baits are placed in areas frequently visited by ants, such as along trails or near entry points like windows and doors. Avoid placing them too close to food preparation areas to prevent contamination.
- Know Your Ant Species – Different ant species have varying preferences, such as sugar-based or protein-based baits. Identifying the species can help you choose the most effective bait type.
- Safety First – If you have pets or children, opt for bait stations that enclose the bait securely to prevent accidental ingestion. Always follow safety instructions provided on the bait packaging.
- Be Patient – Ant baits require time to work, as ants need to transport the bait back to their colony. Refrain from using repellents nearby, as they may disrupt this process.
- Monitor and Adjust – Check the bait regularly for activity, and be prepared to replace it or change tactics if the ants show no interest after a few days.
By considering these factors, you can safely and effectively manage ant infestations while protecting your home and garden.
Conclusion
Dealing with ants on your plants isn’t just a matter of wiping them off—it requires a smart, integrated strategy that addresses the reason they’re there in the first place. By removing the pests they farm, blocking their access, and repelling them with natural deterrents, you can reclaim your plants without relying on harmful chemicals. These ten methods combine physical barriers, home remedies, and ecological approaches that are both safe and effective. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to get ants off plants! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
