The Top Plants That Attract Ants and How to Keep Them Away from Your Garden

Ants can be an annoying pest in any garden, especially when they start invading your plants. While they don’t always cause direct harm to plants, their presence can lead to a range of problems, from promoting aphid infestations to disrupting the aesthetic of your garden. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common plants that attract ants and share effective strategies to keep these industrious insects from taking over your garden.

Peonies

Peonies, known for their beautiful and fragrant blooms, are a favorite among sugar-loving ants. These flowers secrete a sugary nectar that attracts various ant species, such as odorous house ants, Argentine ants, and pavement ants. 

The sticky nectar is secreted from glands located on the buds of the flowers, making them irresistible to ants.

While peonies are stunning additions to any garden, they can quickly become a hotbed for ant activity. 

The relationship between ants and peonies is mutually beneficial as ants protect aphids on these plants, ensuring a steady supply of honeydew – a sugary substance secreted by the aphids.

How to Keep Ants Away from Peonies:

To prevent ants from infesting your peonies, you can:

• Use diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant. This is a natural, non-toxic method to create a barrier ants cannot cross.
• Apply a cinnamon or coffee ground barrier around the plant’s perimeter. These strong scents disrupt ant pathways.
• Regularly prune peonies to remove any excess sugary nectar.

Roses

Roses are another popular flowering plant that ants find irresistible. The sweet nectar produced by the glands on the rose buds and sepals attracts ants, particularly those species that are drawn to sugary substances. 

Roses, like peonies, are also prone to aphid infestations, which exacerbate the problem. Aphids excrete honeydew, further fueling the ant population.

How to Keep Ants Away from Roses:

• Prune roses regularly and remove any aphids by gently spraying the plants with water.
• Sprinkle cinnamon or crushed dried mint around the rose bushes to create a barrier that ants dislike.
• Consider planting herbs like lavender or rosemary nearby, as the strong scent deters ants.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants are another magnet for ants. The primary culprit is the aphid, a tiny pest that feeds on the sap of the hibiscus plant and excretes honeydew. 

Ants are attracted to this sugary substance and often protect aphids from predators to keep the flow of honeydew going. This mutualistic relationship can lead to an increase in both ants and aphids in your garden.

How to Keep Ants Away from Hibiscus:

• Regularly spray your hibiscus with a mild water solution to dislodge aphids.
• Use organic pest control methods to eliminate aphids without harming your plants or attracting more ants.
• Employ essential oils like peppermint or orange as a natural repellent by diluting and spraying them around the plant.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers may seem like the perfect plant to attract birds and pollinators, but they also attract ants. This is because of the extrafloral nectaries found on the stems and leaves. 

These glands secrete nectar that attracts sugar-loving ants, such as odorous house ants and Argentine ants. The nectar attracts ants even before the flowers bloom.

How to Keep Ants Away from Sunflowers:

• Place sticky tape around the stems of sunflowers to trap ants.
• Add a layer of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants to discourage ants.
• Keep aphids in check by using organic methods or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees, such as citrus, apple, and cherry, are highly attractive to ants. These trees often host aphids, mealybugs, and scales, which excrete honeydew. 

In addition, ants are attracted to overripe or fallen fruit, which can create a sticky mess that entices even more ants. 

Ghost ants and Argentine ants are often seen around fruit trees due to the combined attraction of nectar and aphids.

How to Keep Ants Away from Fruit Trees:

• Clear away fallen fruit and keep the area around your trees clean to avoid attracting ants.
• Use sticky barriers around the trunks of fruit trees to prevent ants from climbing up.
• Apply a solution of vinegar or citrus to the base of trees to repel ants.

Preventing Ants from Taking Over Your Garden

Ants may be persistent, but there are several methods to keep them at bay without resorting to harmful pesticides. Here are some expert-approved ways to reduce ant activity around your plants:

Use Natural Barriers

• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around plants creates a physical barrier that ants cannot cross. It’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to ants.
• Cinnamon and Coffee Grounds: Both cinnamon and coffee grounds have strong smells that disrupt ant pathways. Sprinkle these around the base of plants or along ant trails.

Spray Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, orange, and thyme can effectively deter ants. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around the base of the plants or along common ant trails.

Keep Plants and Gardens Clean

Regularly prune plants, especially those prone to aphid infestations. Remove any dead leaves or fruit that may attract ants. 

Cleaning up plant debris and using mulch in moderation can reduce the likelihood of ants setting up home in your garden.

Introduce Repellent Plants

Planting herbs like lavender, rosemary, and basil near your plants can help keep ants away. These plants release strong scents that ants find unpleasant, creating a natural barrier around your garden.

Conclusion

Ants can be a frustrating nuisance in your garden, especially when they are drawn to plants like peonies, roses, hibiscus, sunflowers, and fruit trees. 

While ants themselves may not directly harm your plants, their attraction to nectar, aphids, and honeydew can lead to other issues such as aphid infestations and damaged roots. 

However, with the right approach, you can deter ants and maintain a healthy, thriving garden.

By using natural barriers like diatomaceous earth, employing essential oils, and keeping your plants clean and free of pests, you can reduce ant activity without harming your plants or the environment. Additionally, introducing repellent plants like lavender and rosemary can further help to protect your garden from these persistent pests.

Read the original article in Crafting Your Home.