Are Ants Nesting in Your Plant Pots? 8 Ways to Get Rid of Them ASAP

From ants moving indoors to ants appearing in your potted plants because they hitched a ride from the plant nursery, there are several reasons why ants might now be calling your potted plants home.

We talked with ant scientists and pest exterminators to find out what can be done quickly to get rid of ants from your houseplants.

Why Are Ants in Your Potted Plants?

Ants can actually be beneficial by helping aerate soils, and they usually benefit plants rather than harm them. But when ants move indoors to find food and shelter (or they arrive in your home with your plant), they can pose challenges for houseplants.

“Often, plants are grown or imported from tropical greenhouses which can be a hotbed for exotic ants to grow and thrive,” says Zach Liu, a myrmecologist at McGill University and owner of Canada Ant Colony.

Usually, these ants are nesting in the soil (or even inside plants) and can be hard to notice if the colonies are small. Over time, these colonies grow larger, and that’s why it seems like the ants suddenly appeared in your houseplants.

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What to Do If Ants Are Nesting in Your Potted Plants

The right method for removing ants depends on your plants.

The simplest method is removing or changing your plant’s soil. Do this by taking your plant outside and eliminating all the dirt. Make sure all the soil is removed by taking out the plant and gently watering the plant’s roots to remove all excess soil. Next, repot your plant using a fresh bag of potting soil.

Another method is encouraging the ants to leave your plant. First, determine if your plant can go without water for many days.

“If you have plants that are relatively hardy or can tolerate extreme conditions, let the soil dry out or waterlog it for short periods,” Liu recommends.

Both methods will make your potted plants less hospitable to ants, encouraging them to leave.

How to Prevent Ants From Nesting in Your Potted Plant

Encourage Helpful Insects

This method works best for potted plants located outdoors, such as on patios. According to Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, beneficial garden insects like ladybugs, ladybug larvae, and hoverflies all consume aphids, which are ants’ favorite food sources.

“Without a preferred food source, ants are less likely to settle in your potted plants,” he says.

Spray Natural Oils

Use natural oils around the plant’s base and soil.

“Besides neem oil, which is highly effective, I like to use tea tree, peppermint, and citrus oils,” Bossel says.

These oils are excellent natural ant repellents without harming plants. The key is being consistent in your application since these oils don’t have long-lasting effects, Bossel explains.

Don’t Overwater Your Plants

Overwatering can kill your plant and attract ants. Nesting ants are especially drawn to moist soil, Bossel says. Avoid overwatering while ensuring your soil drains well, Bossel explains.

The best option is using a pot or planter with holes in the bottom, helping excess water flow out.

Choose Soil Ants Don’t Like

Ants prefer certain types of soil over others.

“For example, most ants living in soil prefer very clayey soils,” Liu says.

This is because clay soil can hold together well enough for the ants to make tunnels and build intricate nests underground. Hence, choosing soil that doesn’t have clay in it can help you avoid ants.

However, this option depends on what kinds of plant varieties you have. It’s always more important to prioritize your plant’s health over avoiding ants.

“Don’t give your plants bad soil just to prevent ants,” Liu cautions.

Elevate Your Potted Plants

A simple solution is placing your plants out of reach. Elevate your plants away from the ground, suggests Daniel Baldwin, a board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.

“Contact with the ground makes plant pots easier for ants to invade and nest within,” he explains.

He recommends placing pots on bricks, stands, or temporarily on a wall or garden furniture to help stop ants from moving in.

Opt for Plants Ants Don’t Like

Some plants, such as lavender, mint, or rosemary, have a smell that ants find unfavorable. Baldwin suggests incorporating these types of companion plants in your garden pots.

“They are plants that will help deter ant infestations and may help your other plants grow better,” he says.

Keep Your Yard Tidy

Make sure outdoor spaces with potted plants are clean of garden debris. Baldwin suggests removing dead leaves and decaying organic matter regularly to deter ants. Garbage is also a magnet for ants, as it is an easy food source for them, Baldwin says.

Seal Up Your Home

This may be one of the hardest methods for preventing ants, but sealing up your home is the most surefire way to prevent them from entering in the first place. Fill gaps and crevices on your home’s exterior and make sure there are no openings, no matter how slight, between the glass and wall of your windows. Do the same with your door frames and exterior walls.

FAQ

How do you remove the ants without killing the plant?

Removing the soil is the best way to avoid harming your plant. It removes the ants and their eggs. Then, gently rinse the plant’s roots to make sure all the ants are gone and place your plant in new soil.

Can you use coffee grounds to repel ants?

No, this is a myth, Liu says. The best way to deter ants is by using any of the methods detailed above.

What smells will keep ants away?

Ants don’t like strong odors. There are a few scents you can use to keep them away.

“Use natural cinnamon, peppermint, vinegar, and citrus substances to help deter ants,” Bossel suggests.

But these odors’ efficacy may vary and are unlikely to last long periods.