Why Control Ants?
Ants can be beneficial to your garden, but when they invade your home or protect harmful pests like aphids and scale, they become a problem. Learn how to manage ants effectively while keeping them outdoors where they belong.
Tips for Outdoor Ant Control
- Address aphids and scale: Ants often protect these pests because they produce sweet honeydew. Use adhesive tree wrap to prevent ants from climbing trees and spreading pests.
- Keep a safe distance: Ensure plants and mulches are at least one foot away from your home’s foundation to prevent ants from nesting near your house.
- Use outdoor bait stations: Place bait stations around the perimeter of your home to eliminate nests before ants enter your living spaces.
Tips for Indoor Ant Control
- Seal entry points: Inspect and seal gaps around wires, pipes, and any potential entryways to stop ants from getting inside.
- Maintain cleanliness: Ants are drawn to sugary and fatty foods. Wipe down surfaces and clean spills promptly to reduce attractants.
- Erase trails: Use soapy water to clean ant trails and remove chemical markers that guide other ants into your home.
- Use bait stations: Baits like Terro Ant Bait Stations are effective for most household ants. Place bait stations in cupboards or window sills, away from children and pets.
Managing Ants in Houseplants
If ants infest your houseplants, take the plant outdoors and prepare a solution with water and an organic insecticide labeled for ants. Submerge the pot in the solution until the water covers the soil. Once the nest is eliminated, you can bring the plant back indoors.
Conclusion
Control ants in your home and garden with these effective, organic strategies. Keep your garden thriving and your home ant-free. Grow organic for life!
