There are several species of ants all over the world that are often a real pain to deal with both in your home and garden. Ants are very useful to our environment; they prey on fleas, termites, caterpillars among other bothersome insects. Even though they prey on these insects, they provide a hideaway for aphids that harm our garden plants and infest our homes. For most people getting rid of ants is as easy as getting an insecticide and spraying them off but how to deal with mulch infested with ants? However, with the current global environmental awareness and desire to use eco-friendly remedies, more and more people prefer using natural deterrents. When dealing with ants, natural methods can be applied as well. Depending on the severity, however you might need to call in the help professionals!
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Herbs
There are a variety of herbs that naturally deter ants. Planting these herbs in your garden between your plants will significantly cut down on the presence of ants in your garden. Ensure you plant them in areas where you specifically want to protect from ant invasion. Any plant with a pungent smell such as sage or basil will help keep ants away from your house and garden. The following plants work best:
Mint
Ants hate mint, and especially peppermint. One problem with mint is that it is an insidious grower and will take control of any ground it is grown. Therefore, when planting this deterrent makes sure it is controlled in a specific location. Otherwise, it could quickly take over your garden.
Marigold
The Marigold plant is one of the many plants grown for both their aesthetic and ant repellent nature. Unlike the pennyroyal, the marigold plant doesn’t spread quickly, and it won’t turn your garden in a short span. The marigold plants are annuals, meaning you will have deterrents throughout the year.
Lavender
Lavender also is known as Lavandula angustifolia is an outdoor plant that is very appealing to humans. Lavender is a no-go for most insects including ants due to its strong-smelling oils. A lavender plant can grow to be as high as a meter. You can plant lavender bushes close to your property where ants are likely to crawl through.
Pennyroyal
The Pennyroyal is a close relative of the mint, and just like the mint, it can be invasive. Therefore, you need to plant it in your garden with care, or it could soon overturn it. The pennyroyal despite its invasive characteristics is a very effective ant repellent. It has supple purple flowers with a sweet smelling aroma. In case you don’t want it to take over your garden, plant it in a plastic tin and bury it in the ground.
Garlic
Garlic is perhaps the most popular plant used for making pest control remedies for gardeners. The garlic plant is a member of the onion family, and it has one of the strongest scents in the herb family and is believed to scare away both insects and “vampires.” You can plant this deterrent near your kitchen doorway and flower borders.
Tansy
Growing a tansy plant works in the same way you would with mint, it repels ants. The tansy produces lovely yellow flowers that will compliment your garden. Just like the mint plant, it could overgrow and take over your garden. Practice caution when planting this herb.
Rosemary
It’s a darling to both homemakers and gardeners and can be used to spice up your food as well as repel ants. The only thing you need to do is buy a flower pot and plant it. Place the plant in strategic positions in your patio, kitchen windows or porch. You could also plant this herb around the perimeter of your home or in your garden.
Thyme
You probably didn’t know that thyme, popularly known for adding aromatic goodness to your salad dressing could help deter ants. Well, it does! Thyme loves the sun; it can thrive in weird locations such as cracks or along sidewalks. Once you grow this herb, it will expand perennially. While it doesn’t have as much of a strong scent as other plants on this list, it works equally well when it comes to repelling ants.
It is best to contact professional carpenter ant exterminator Toronto in the Greater Toronto Area to declare your home ant-free as soon as possible!
