Ants do little direct damage to plants, except by disturbing soil around plant roots and depositing it on the surface during their nest building activities. … They may also disturb plant roots in pots and containers. This disturbance can also mean that plants are more prone to wilting especially when dry at the roots.
Subsequently, how do I get rid of ants in my potted plants?
How to Get Rid of Ants in Pots
- Place the plant container inside a bucket or tub.
- Make a solution using one or two tablespoons of insecticidal soap per quart of water.
- Fill the bucket or tub until the solution barely covers the surface of the potting soil.
- Let the plant soak for 20 minutes.
Beside this, are ants good for potted plants?
Although ants are a nuisance, they do not actually cause any harm to potted plants. Ants are attracted to the sweet honeydew-esque excretions left by other pests that reside in the soil, such as aphids and mealybugs; fire ants like to make nests in potted plants and hide in the plants’ foliage.
How do I protect my plants from ants?
How to Control Ants in Your Garden
- Get rid of aphids and other sap-sucking pests. …
- Distribute artificial sweetener near the ants. …
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper around your plants. …
- Place food-grade diatomaceous earth by trails and nests. …
- Set a borax (or boric acid) and sugar poison trap.
Can ants live in houseplants?
Ants are a fairly common indoor pest, and keeping house plants can provide them with places to build nests inside. If you have potted plants, it’s possible for ants to form colonies near their roots, and this is a problem for your plant.
Why do ants like potted plants?
Ants like to eat, and a potted plant with edible food on it makes a great place to build a nest. If your potted plant is infested by mealybugs or aphids, ants usually aren’t far behind. Aphids and mealybugs ooze a sweet substance called honeydew that ants love to eat. Click here to find out how aphids kill your plants.
Why are there ants in my indoor plants?
Ants in a Houseplant
They are most likely not after your plant, but rather aphids, scales, or mealybugs – tiny insects that can harm your plant. Ants love feeding on honeydew, the sweet and nutritious excrement these insects produce, so they’ll actually work to protect the pests from their natural enemies.
