If you’ve noticed tiny trails of ants in your potted plants, you’re likely wondering how to remove ants from plants soil. These little visitors aren’t always harmful directly, but they can farm pests like aphids and disturb roots. The good news is you can handle them naturally without harsh chemicals.
This guide gives you simple, effective methods to get ants out of your plant’s soil for good. We’ll focus on solutions that are safe for your plants, your home, and the environment.
How to Remove Ants From Plants Soil
First, understand why ants are there. They’re not usually eating your plant. Often, they’re seeking shelter or farming honeydew-producing insects like aphids or scale on your plant’s leaves. The soil itself offers a nice, moist home. Your first step is always to check the plant itself for other pests.
Immediate Action: The Soak Method
If you see an active colony in a potted plant, this is your fastest fix.
1. Prepare a bucket or large tub. Fill it with a solution of 1–2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap per gallon of water. Use castile or dish soap.
2. Carefully submerge the entire plant pot in the solution. Hold the soil and plant base so it doesn’t fall out.
3. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes. This floods the tunnels and encourages ants to evacuate or drown.
4. Remove the pot and let it drain completely. You may need to repeat this in a few days if activity persists.
Important: This method is best for sturdy, established plants. Use with caution for very delicate or succulent varieties that hate wet feet.
Natural Repellents and Barriers
Once you’ve disrupted the nest, use these to keep ants from coming back. These create barriers ants dislike crossing.
* Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): This fine powder is made from fossilized algae. It’s harmless to pets and people but lethal to insects with exoskeletons. Sprinkle a thick ring on the soil surface and around the base of the pot. Reapply after watering. Keep it dry for it to work.
* Cinnamon: Ants strongly dislike cinnamon. You can use ground cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil. For powder, create a circle on the soil. For oil, mix a few drops in water and spray the pot’s rim and soil.
* Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils are great ant deterrents. Mix 10–15 drops with a teaspoon of soap and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the soil, pot, and nearby areas. Avoid spraying directly on flowers.
* Vinegar Solution: A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water can disrupt scent trails. Wipe down the outside of the pot, saucers, and nearby surfaces. Be careful not to pour it directly onto the soil, as vinegar can alter pH.
Baiting Strategies for Colonies
Barriers repel, but baits eliminate the source—the queen. Baits work by letting worker ants carry poison back to the nest.
Make a Simple Borax Bait:
Borax is a natural mineral that’s toxic to ants in small doses.
1. Mix 1 part borax with 3 parts powdered sugar. The sugar attracts them, the borax does the work.
2. Add just enough water to make a paste.
3. Place small dabs of the mixture on bottle caps or pieces of cardboard near the ant trails and the affected plant.
4. Keep away from pets and children. The small amount used and the sweet nature makes it unattractive to pets, but always exercise caution.
This method takes a few days to a week but can wipe out the entire colony.
Repotting as a Final Solution
Sometimes, the infestation is too deep, or the plant needs a refresh anyway. Repotting gives you a completely fresh start.
1. Prepare a new, clean pot with fresh potting mix.
2. Outside or over a large bag, gently remove the plant from its infested pot.
3. Carefully brush away all the old soil from the roots. You can also rinse the roots gently with water to ensure no ants or eggs remain.
4. Inspect the roots for damage (ants sometimes nest in root balls) and trim if necessary.
5. Plant in the new, clean pot with fresh soil.
Dispose of the old soil in a sealed bag in the trash, not your compost.
Preventing Future Ant Invasions
Stopping ants before they start is easier than removing them. A few habits make your plants less inviting.
* Keep Things Clean: Wipe up plant saucers regularly to remove standing water and sticky residues. Clear dead leaves from soil surfaces.
* Inspect New Plants: Always check plants you bring home from the store for ants or other pests. You might even give them a preventative soak.
* Create Moat Barriers: For potted plants on patios, place the pot’s feet in dishes of water. Ants won’t cross the water moat.
* Seal Entry Points: If plants are indoors, check for cracks in windowsills or walls and seal them.
Addressing the Root Cause: Other Pests
Remember, ants are often a symptom. If they’re farming aphids, you’ll have two problems. After dealing with the ants, check leaves (especially undersides) and stems.
Treat any aphids, mealybugs, or scale with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Without their “livestock,” ants are much less likely to return to that plant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are ants in my plant soil actually harmful?
Directly, they rarely eat healthy plants. But they can disturb roots, especially in seedlings, and their tunneling can dry out soil quickly. The bigger issue is they often indicate other pests are present.
What is the fastest way to get rid of ants in potted plants?
The soil soak method described above is usually the quickest for immediate results. For long-term control, combining a soak with baiting is very effective.
Will cinnamon or coffee grounds really kill ants?
They are more repellent than killers. They can deter ants from entering an area but are unlikely to eliminate an established nest deep in the soil. They are great for prevention.
Can I use lemon juice to remove ants from plant soil?
Yes, lemon juice can disrupt trails due to its acidity. Dilute it with water and spray around the pot. Avoid over-applying to soil, as it can make it too acidic for some plants.
How do I keep ants out of my indoor plants naturally?
Use physical barriers like moats, apply diatomaceous earth on the soil, and use essential oil sprays on the pots. Most importantly, ensure no branches are touching walls or other plants, creating bridges for ants.
Dealing with ants in your plant soil can be frustrating, but it’s very manageable. Start by identifying why they’re there—check for other pests. Then, choose your tactic: a quick soil soak, natural repellents, or a strategic bait. Prevention is your best long-term tool, so keep areas clean and consider preventative barriers. With these natural solutions, you can protect your plants and enjoy your garden without unwanted six-legged guests. Remember, persistence is key; you might need to combine methods or repeat treatments for complete success.