Ants are extremely useful animals that have a lasting positive impact on the environment with their diligence. In your own garden, however, they are rather undesirable and can become annoying. They even settle occasionally in flower pots on the terrace and balcony. In any case, it is worth trying one of the numerous home remedies and not simply killing the little animals. Especially when the ant colony has made itself comfortable in the flower pot in a very limited space, this works excellently with a little patience.

Ants like to settle in flower pots

lemon juice

Ants don't like citric acid at all and they usually run away quickly.

  • Squeeze a fresh lemon.
  • Put the juice on a cloth.
  • Put this on the ground.
  • Repeat regularly.

cucumber peels

Cucumber skins are poisonous to animals. Simply lay them on the ground for a few days, this has a deterrent effect and the insect state will flee.

Spices such as bay leaf, clove or cinnamon

Ants don't like the smell of these kitchen herbs at all. It has proven useful to sprinkle a mixture of all the spices on the soil in the flower pot. Alternatively, you can use essential oils such as those available for vapor lamps. Cinnamon oil in particular works extremely well. Drop the substance onto a cloth and place it around the plant. Renew daily.

Ground coffee

Simply sprinkle the soil with a few spoonfuls of ground coffee. It does not have to be fresh powder, even the pomace from the coffee machine or coffee filter works well. Also carefully put the powder in the holes from which a lot of ants crawl out and press down with a spoon handle. The strong smell of your favorite morning drink deters the little animals and they look for a new place to stay.

Plenty of water

Ants don't like floods at all. If the plant tolerates it, you should water it thoroughly on several consecutive days so that water collects in the saucer. You will see that the animals will soon find this too colorful and they will emigrate.

Lime or garden chalk

If you have ant nests in the garden, you should sprinkle chalk powder or garden lime (9.70€) around the flower pots as a preventive measure. The small crawlers do not cross these alkaline-acting barriers and prefer to choose other places to found a new colony.

Not a good remedy: baking powder

A common tip when dealing with ant infestations is to sprinkle baking soda on the soil in the flower pot. The drug does not work particularly well and at the same time means an agonizing death for the animals. Contrary to popular belief, ants do not eat the baking soda, but die from chemical burns when they come into contact with this substance. Therefore, use gentle methods that also work but protect the insects at the same time.

tips

For environmental reasons, fast-acting insecticides for the soil should only be used when all other means have failed. Ants are beneficial insects that carry seeds, loosen the soil and serve as food for many other animals. This makes them an important link in the ecosystem that deserves protection.

Category:

Animals in the garden