There is nothing more frustrating than coming outside to find your garden is overrun with ants. Not only are they annoying, but they can also destroy your plants and the hard work you put into them. But don’t worry – there are ways to get rid of ants in your garden without killing any of the plants!
These methods also help you find how to get rid of ants in your vegetable garden without chemicals.
Ants not only eat the plants, but they also leave behind their waste and chemicals that can be harmful to your garden. They eat plants, create trails in the dirt, and even bite people. Ants can be difficult to get rid of because they’re so good at hiding from us.
make sure there’s no sugar
To prevent ants from damaging your plants, make sure there are no potted plants near them that contain sugar (sugar water). You also need to keep all food off the ground – if you want a snack while tending to your garden, do not eat it on the main level where ant-prone foods like berries and vegetables might be sitting out.
Put these snacks up high so that an animal who was attracted by smell won’t knock everything down onto the ground or let loose with their droppings.
Put up a barrier
The best way to keep them out is with barriers like plastic or copper wiring that they don’t have access to climb over. You can also put sticky substances on the ground so when an ant steps on it, they will get stuck and won’t be able to get back off of it again.
In order to prevent ants from getting into your plants, it is important to put up some barriers around the perimeter of where you want them. Ants need moisture in order for their colony and eggs to survive – this is why they love digging through soil or climbing onto leaves – so make sure that there are no moist spots around the area by watering well before planting anything.
Plant herbs that Repel ants
The most common herb that repels ants is mint. To get the most out of your garden’s “ant-free zone,” plant as many herbs with mint properties in it as you can, such as catnip and oregano.
Another way to keep them out is by planting basil around any plants they’re interested in eating – this will deter them from coming back for more.
Plant herbs that have a strong scent like thyme, lavender, and mint. These will not only make your garden smell good but they’ll also keep the pesky insects at bay!
You can plant these in pots near your tomatoes and other vegetables if you find this necessary. You may still get an ant or two around them from time to time, but it’s better than having all of your vegetables eaten up!
You could also try planting basil and oregano between rows of tomato plants for additional protection against those little critters.
Ants hate citrus odors so don’t cut lemons on the same surface where you’re eating food – just rub some lemon peel over surfaces after cooking with them.
Natural DIY Insecticides
You might use commercial insecticides for ants but you could also try these natural remedies instead: cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, peppermint oil, or cayenne pepper sprinkled around the perimeter of your garden will keep them away!
One way you can repel ants from plants and soil is by making a solution with water, cayenne pepper, and dish soap. The dish soap breaks the surface tension so that the cayenne pepper can stick to it. When an ant comes in contact with this mixture, it will feel like something is burning its feet off!
Use Your Environment
Ants are a big problem in many gardens, and fortunately, they’re also a great source of food for birds. Keep these ants at bay while feeding your feathered friends!
If you want your yard to be ant-free, then plant some trees that animals like! Squirrels love walnuts, so place them in the ground or on an elevated tree stump next to your back door. Birds will come from miles around just for blueberries and apples. They’ll also eat sugar water out of a feeder (just mix 2 cups white sugar with one cup boiling water). The only thing you need is patience as it takes a while before these wild creatures find their way into your yard.