Ants are one of the most common household pests. They’re also one of the most difficult to get rid of. Unfortunately, they don’t settle just inside our homes. Ants are also commonly found in gardens and yards.
While ants aren’t necessarily bad for plants as they help aerate the soil, they can become a nuisance when they start to build their nests in or around your plants.
If you’re noticing ants crawling on your plants or even taking bits of leaves back to their nest, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to get rid of them.
Signs You Have an Ant Infestation in Your Yard
One of the most common signs of an ant infestation is damage to plants. Ants can strip leaves and flowers, leaving plants looking depleted. They can also tunnel through the soil, causing plants to wilt and die.
Additionally, you may see ants crawling on the stems or leaves of your plants. And, if you have a severe infestation, you may even see swarms of ants crawling around.
Can Baking Soda Kill Ants in Plants?
Pesticides might not be the first on your list for pest control methods. But, what about a common household item like baking soda? Can this kitchen staple also double as an effective ant killer?
Baking soda is an all-natural substance that can be used for various purposes, from cleaning kitchens to deodorizing shoes. Aside from being a fantastic all-around cleaner, baking soda can also be used as an effective insecticide.
When it comes to dealing with ants in your garden, baking soda can be just as effective as any chemical insecticide. But instead of using harmful and toxic chemicals that can harm your plants, baking soda is a safer and more natural alternative.
How to Use Baking Soda to Kill Ants in Plants
There are different ways to use baking soda to kill ants in your garden. One way is to make a baking soda spray. The most common is mixing baking soda with equal parts of sugar.
This acts as bait, attracting ants. Worker ants will then bring this back to the nest and feed it to the rest of the colony. The baking soda will eventually kill them all.
Another way to use baking soda is to make a paste out of it. Combine baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Then, apply this directly to ant hills or mounds in your garden. This will kill ants on contact and also discourage them from returning.
Alternative Methods for Killing Ants in Plants
If you don’t want to use baking soda, there are other natural methods you can try.
- Vinegar and water solution: Combine equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use this to target ants.
- Diatomaceous earth: This is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It works by puncturing the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plants or directly on ant hills.
- Salt: Salt is another effective insecticide. You can sprinkle salt around your plants or directly on ant hills. Be careful not to use too much as it can also harm your plants.
- Soap and water solution: Mixing dish soap and water together creates a sudsy solution that can kill ants on contact. You can use this solution to spray directly on ants or ant hills.
Can Baking Soda Kill Ants in Plants: Final Thoughts
Some ants lingering around your plants are nothing to worry about. But if you start to see damage to your plants or a lot of ants crawling around, it’s time to take action.
Among the different natural pest control methods, baking soda is one of the most effective. It’s safe to use around plants and can be just as effective as any chemical insecticide. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of ants in your garden, give baking soda a try.
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