Ant Repelling Plants: Natural Ways to Keep Ants Away

Ants are common pests that invade our homes and gardens, often in search of food or water. While there are many chemical pesticides available that can help control ant populations, they can harm the environment and even pose health risks to humans and pets. Luckily, there are many natural ways to repel ants, including using plants that have an ant-repelling effect.

The Benefits of Using Ant Repelling Plants

Using ant repelling plants has several benefits over using chemical pesticides. First and foremost, they are safer for the environment, as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can pollute soil and water sources. They are also safer for humans and pets, as they do not pose any health risks when used properly. Additionally, many ant repelling plants have other benefits, such as being edible, having medicinal properties, or attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.

15 Ant Repelling Plants to Try

There are many plants that can help repel ants naturally. Here are 15 different options to consider:

1. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb that is known for its refreshing scent and cooling sensation. However, it is also a powerful ant repellent. The strong scent of peppermint oil can mask the pheromone trails that ants use to find food and water sources, making it difficult for them to navigate. To use peppermint as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

2. Lavender

Lavender is another fragrant herb that can help repel ants. Its strong scent is thought to be offensive to ants, making them less likely to enter your home or garden. Additionally, lavender has many other benefits, such as promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. To use lavender as an ant repellent, simply place dried lavender sachets or fresh lavender sprigs around areas where ants are known to frequent.

3. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that is often used in cooking and herbal medicine. It is also a natural ant repellent, thanks to its strong citrusy scent. The essential oils found in lemon balm can interfere with the pheromone trails that ants use to communicate, making it harder for them to find their way around. To use lemon balm as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use lemon balm essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It is also a natural ant repellent, thanks to its strong scent and powerful essential oils. The scent of rosemary can mask the pheromone trails that ants use to find food and water sources, making it difficult for them to navigate. Additionally, rosemary has many other benefits, such as improving memory and concentration. To use rosemary as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use rosemary essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

5. Sage

Sage is a popular herb that is often used in stuffing and other savory dishes. It is also a natural ant repellent, thanks to its strong scent and antimicrobial properties. The essential oils found in sage can help repel ants and other pests, while also killing harmful bacteria and viruses. To use sage as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use sage essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree native to Australia that is known for its medicinal properties. Its essential oils are often used to treat respiratory problems and other health issues. However, eucalyptus is also a powerful ant repellent, thanks to its strong scent and antimicrobial properties. The essential oils found in eucalyptus can help repel ants and other pests, while also killing harmful bacteria and viruses. To use eucalyptus as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

7. Tansy

Tansy is a flowering plant that is often used as a natural insecticide. It contains a compound called tanacetum vulgare, which is toxic to many insects, including ants. The flowers and leaves of the tansy plant can be dried and used to make sachets or sprays that repel ants and other pests. However, it is important to use caution when handling tansy, as it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

8. Catnip

Catnip is a herb that is well-known for its effects on cats. However, it is also an effective ant repellent. The essential oils found in catnip can interfere with the pheromone trails that ants use to communicate, making it harder for them to find their way around. Additionally, catnip has many other benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. To use catnip as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use catnip essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

9. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors and shapes. They are also a natural insecticide, thanks to a compound called pyrethrin that is found in their petals. Pyrethrin is toxic to many insects, including ants, and can be used to create a natural pesticide spray. However, it is important to use caution when handling chrysanthemums, as they can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

10. Allium

Allium is a genus of plants that includes onions, garlic, and chives. They are well-known for their strong scent and powerful flavor, but they are also effective ant repellents. The sulfur compounds found in allium plants can help repel ants and other pests, while also providing many health benefits. To use allium as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use allium essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

11. Marigold

Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that are often used to decorate gardens and outdoor spaces. They are also a natural insecticide, thanks to a compound called thiophene that is found in their roots. Thiophene is toxic to many insects, including ants, and can be used to create a natural pesticide spray. Additionally, marigolds have many other benefits, such as attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

12. Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that is often used in Italian cuisine. Its essential oils are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their ability to repel insects like ants. To use basil as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use basil essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

13. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is often used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Its essential oils are known for their insecticidal properties, as well as their ability to repel insects like ants. To use lemongrass as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

14. Mint

Mint is a popular herb that is often used in desserts and beverages. Its essential oils are known for their cooling and refreshing properties, as well as their ability to repel insects like ants. To use mint as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use mint essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

15. Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. Its essential oils are known for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, as well as their ability to repel insects like ants. To use thyme as an ant repellent, simply crush fresh leaves or use thyme essential oil in a diffuser or spray bottle.

How to Use Ant Repelling Plants

There are several ways to use ant repelling plants in your home or garden. Here are a few ideas to get you ed:

Plant Them in Your Garden

One of the easiest ways to use ant repelling plants is to plant them in your garden. This will help create a natural barrier that ants will be less likely to cross. Additionally, many ant repelling plants have other benefits for your garden, such as attracting beneficial insects or improving soil health.

Use Them as Indoor Decorations

Many ant repelling plants, such as lavender or rosemary, can be used as indoor decorations. Simply place a few sprigs in a vase or pot and display them in areas where ants are known to frequent.

Create Natural Repellent Sprays

You can also use ant repelling plants to create natural repellent sprays. Simply crush fresh leaves or flowers and steep them in hot water for a few hours. Strain the mixture and add it to a spray bottle, then use it to spray around areas where ants are known to enter your home.

FAQs

Q1: Are ant repelling plants safe for pets?

A: Most ant repelling plants are safe for pets when used properly. However, some plants, such as tansy or chrysanthemums, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It is important to research each plant before using it around pets.

Q2: How long do ant repelling plants last?

A: The effectiveness of ant repelling plants will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of plant, the environment, and the severity of the ant infestation. Some plants may only provide temporary relief, while others may provide long-lasting protection if used consistently.

Q3: Can I use ant repelling plants indoors?

A: Yes, many ant repelling plants can be used indoors. Simply place them in areas where ants are known to enter your home, such as near doors or windows.

Q4: Do I need to use multiple types of ant repelling plants?

A: Using multiple types of ant repelling plants can be more effective than using just one. This is because different plants have different scents and compounds that can repel ants in different ways.

Q5: Can I still use chemical pesticides if I am using ant repelling plants?

A: It is generally not recommended to use chemical pesticides when using ant repelling plants, as they can harm the plants and negate their effects. However, if you must use a pesticide, choose one that is safe for use around plants and follow the instructions carefully.

Ants can be a pesky problem, but using natural ant-repelling plants can be an effective way to keep them away from your home or garden. Not only are these plants safer for the environment and for humans and pets, but many of them also have other benefits, such as being edible, having medicinal properties, or attracting beneficial insects. Try incorporating some of these plants into your home or garden today to see how they can help keep ants away.