Q&A for How to Remove Ants from Potted Plants

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Will using a vinegar and water solution hurt a potted plant?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Yes. Vinegar is highly acidic, so this would change the pH of your soil and could kill your plant.

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Question

Can a mixture of cinnamon and tumeric powder kill ants and aphids in potted plants?

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Cinnamon and turmeric powder are great repellents for soil-based pests, but they won't kill pests, or deter pests on the plant itself. Use a an essential oil spray, like peppermint, to deter pests above the soil.

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Question

I have a strawberry plant in an old wheelbarrow, the ants have moved in and I believe are eating the strawberries. How can I get rid of the ants without hurting or poisoning the fruit?

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Spray some diluted liquid permethrin insecticide on the berries, or set stick baits in the soil. For more natural methods, spray the berries with peppermint essential oil, or mix coffee grounds into the soil

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Question

I have a lot of ants in a pot with a lime tree. The pot is too large to submerge in water. What would be the best way to get rid of them?

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A spray of liquid permethrin insecticide may be your best bet. It's often used to control pests on crops, and is generally food safe when used in controlled amounts. Otherwise, spray the lime tree with peppermint oil, or mix coffee grounds into the soil.

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Question

Can I recycle the ant infested dirt by pouring boiling water into it, killing ants & eggs, letting it cool and dry, then use with other plants?

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It's best to use fresh, uninfected soil. Even when pouring boiling water into the infected soil, you may not be able to completely flush out the ants.

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Question

I have ants in a pot of mint. What’s the best way to get rid of them?

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Spray the plant with peppermint oil, use ant bait traps, or use a plant-safe insecticide.

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Question

How do you get rid of ants in potted tulasi plant?

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Use a plant-safe insecticide like permethrin, spray the plant with essential oils like lemongrass or peppermint, or mix coffee grounds into the soil.

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Question

We have lots of ants living in an outside large clay pot containing an Olive tree. How can I get rid of them?

Community Answer

Your Olive tree has aphids, which attracts ants because it is their favorite food. You can look for DIY exterminating supplies online. Keep the pot isolated until all the ants are gone. You can do that put putting the base of the pot in a mixture of 1/3 vinegar, 1/3 water and 1/3 Dawn.

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Question

I have the little ants in a pot of hibiscus, how can I get rid of them? They are on the plant too.

Community Answer

You have aphids most likely and the ants are farming the honeydew. Treat for aphids by spraying water in a hard stream daily all over the plant. You should also mix permethrin and water and spray every three days until they're gone.

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Question

Does it matter if coffee grounds are fresh if I want to put them around the soil of my potted plant?

Community Answer

No, you can let the grounds dry out. It's easier to cover the ground.

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Question

Can I use potting mix full of ants for cuttings?

Community Answer

No, that is not healthy for the plant. The ant activity will likely disturb the roots too much, causing the plant to die. Discard that potting mix and use one without ants instead.

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Question

How can I get rid of ants in my cactus dirt?

Community Answer

You can try a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to sterilize the dirt. Submerge the pot with the amount of soil you want to use entirely with this solution, and spray it down. You can use the dirt after doing this, if there was no living plant in it. If the cactus is actively growing in it, consider one of the methods posted above in this article.

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Question

I have small ants in the soil of my potted impatiens. The pot is too large to soak in water. What natural home remedy can I use to get rid of the ants?

Dave Holliday

Community Answer

Try taking the pot outside and sprinkling ground cinnamon on the plant and soil. After 30 minutes, the ants should be gone.

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