Ants: Ways to Get Rid of Them On Outside Plants

Plants add beauty and curb appeal to a home. Most varieties of plants are simple to care for, needing only sun, water, and occasional doses of food in order to grow and be healthy. Sometimes, however, plants are invaded with parasites or pests that cause the plant to become stressed or sickly. One of these pests is the ant, which can eat the plant and attack its root system. Treatment of the condition can be done in several different ways.

Pesticides

If you don't have any qualms about using pesticides that can be toxic to humans or pets, you can get rid of ants on outside plants with pesticides. Simply spray the plant, soil, and surrounding area with a fine mist of the poison. The ants will die within seconds, and the plant will remain alive and well.

Boric Acid

Boric acid (best known by its commercial name "Borax") can be used to get rid of ants on outside plants. Boric acid is not toxic to pets or humans, and is easily tolerated by plants. To use this method, simply sprinkle boric acid on the plant and soil. Ants do not die immediately from boric acid, which allows them time to carry particles back to the nest. Although this takes longer than pesticides, boric acid will eradicate a colony of ants within a matter of hours.

Cucumber Peels

Gardeners can also get rid of ants on outside plants with cucumber peels. To do this, simply peel a few cucumbers and spread them around the surface soil under and around the plants. Although it's not known precisely why this works, gardeners have sworn by this eco-friendly way of getting rid of ants for decades.

References

• Get rid of ants