No one’s house is 100% bug free, but it doesn’t mean we should give up our search. There are many things people can do to keep the pests away from home, and in some cases even get rid of them for good!
The pesky ants are never too far away, but there’s a way to get them out for good. Just plant some plants that repel these pests and make sure they stay away!
Ant-Repelling Plants
The key to keeping ants out is scent. Smell helps them find new routes for food sources and communicate with each other, so having houseplants that have very aromatic oils can deter these pesky insects from exploring any further in your home!
1. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that can be grown successfully indoors. It’s not ideal for areas where there isn’t enough bright light throughout the day, but you should still consider giving this lovely flower some fertilizer every so often to keep it healthy!
It is important to give lavender the right amount of light, air flow and water. If you don’t have any natural sources available like a breezy spot or fan near your plants then use artificial lights in order for them to thrive!
2. Mint
You can choose from a whole bunch of mint varieties, each one providing its own unique flavor and fragrance.
Stick with peppermint or spearmint for the usual taste you’re accustomed to; get creative by choosing apple mint if chocolate sounds better than iced tea (I know what I’ll be drinking this winter!). You might also want try pineapple-based chamomile as well!
For those who are looking for plants that don’t need high sun, this is a great choice. These houseplants can adapt easily and grow well even in less than perfect conditions! For the best results make sure you have good draining soil with some peat or perlite added if necessary.
Water your mint just before it starts to get dry on the surface, and turn them frequently as they have a tendency to bend toward light.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is a type of herb that many people believe will keep ants away. However, it’s not as easy to grow and maintain compared with other plants on our list like lavender or mint. So, if you are a beginner, choose a different herb.
Rosemary likes the sun, so find a spot that will give it plenty of sunshine, and if that’s not enough, provide a lamp for it.
If you water your plant too much, it can cause rot. Be sure not to let the container or potting soil get bone-dry on its own before watering again; rather give everything a thorough drink with well-draining pots so that roots stay healthy all year long!
4. Thyme
Thyme is a great plant for decorating your home, and it can even grow in indirect light. To keep thyme happy indoors you should avoid over-watering or drying the soil before adding more water to prevent root damage from occurring.
One trick to keep your thyme from getting soggy roots is have it in an unglazed ceramic pot that will allow moisture to evaporate more quickly. Don’t let the plant get too chilly though; they may not need full sun but won’t do well with cold temperatures either.
5. Marigolds
The marigold is a tough plant to keep as houseplants. But with its ant-repellent aromatics and pretty splash of orange, this little gem will make your home smell good while keeping pesky insects at bay!
Marigolds need warmth to stay healthy. If you can’t give them the sun, at least provide some heat and keep your marigold pots outdoors for summertime – they’ll thank you in a few months when their vibrant petals start showing up again with new vigor!
6. Tansy
If you want to keep ants away from your house, try tansy. It’s not the most common variety of plant but it can be an effective pest repellant in large spaces with either full or indirect sun exposure and enough room for growth!
Don’t let your plants sit in wet soil for too long and you will be rewarded with clusters of little yellow flowers. These are just the first sign that it’s time to transplant them out. Tansy is more than an ornamental plant – its roots contain oils which can repel insects!
7. Garlic
Though not a plant you are likely going to start growing as an indoor houseplant, this vining pennycress is still excellent for repelling ants (and pretty much any other insect pest).
Garlic is the key to controlling pesky bugs. And you don’t need any planting experience because all it takes are a few extra bulbs from your local supermarket!
Using Herbs to Repel Ants
You can keep ants out with the help of aromatic herbs. For an even more direct approach, try using leaves from your indoor plants for spot pest control away from their container or location in general!
The best thing you can do to stop ants from coming into your house is by using a few natural deterrents. Take some leaves or flowers, crush them in your fingers so that their scented oils are released and put where the ant trails lead towards- this should help keep them at bay!
If you’re looking for an extra line of defense, consider planting some repellent plants outside your house. This can help keep those pesky bugs at bay and make life a little more livable in tight spaces!
Plants That Attract Ants
Houseplants are not the best for ants because they don’t generally attract them. However, some plants can get infested with aphids and this is an attractive factor that draws in more of these insects.
The sweet liquid aphids excrete is a lure for ants and will always bring them in. So if you start seeing any, clear out the aphid immediately with an insecticidal soap spray!
Other Natural Repellents
There’s more than just houseplants that you can use to keep ants out of your home, and it doesn’t involve spraying toxic chemicals all over the place. There are some non-toxic options for natural ant repellents too!
The first one is an insect spray made with pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemums. This is a natural way to keep out ants, so just spritz some in areas where you are seeing them.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine white powder that ants love. In order to give your home an ant-free place, sprinkle some around baseboard or along the back edge of kitchen counter where you see any crawling creatures.
You can also get rid of ants without using artificial chemicals by mixing 1/2 cup sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons borax and dissolving it in warm water. The best part is that you don’t have to go grocery shopping, since you probably have this mixture at home!