Ants are one of the most common pests that invade homes, often in search of food or water. While they may not pose a direct threat to your health, their presence can be bothersome and unsightly. Fortunately, there are several plants that can help keep ants away, naturally repelling them with their scents or properties. If you’re tired of dealing with ants inside your home, consider incorporating these plants into your garden or placing them near entry points to keep ants at bay.
Why Do Ants Enter Your Home?
Ants typically enter homes in search of food, water, or shelter. They are attracted to sugary foods, crumbs, and even pet food. Once they find a food source, they leave a scent trail that attracts other ants, leading to an infestation. Preventing ants from entering your house starts with eliminating these attractions and using natural deterrents like plants that ants find unpleasant. Some plants contain oils or scents that act as a natural repellent, making your home less inviting to these tiny intruders.
Top 10 Plants That Keep Ants Out of Your House
Here’s a list of 10 plants that are known for their ability to naturally repel ants. These plants can be grown in your garden or placed around windows and doors to discourage ants from entering your home.
1. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is one of the most effective plants for repelling ants. Its strong, pungent scent is disliked by ants and many other insects. You can plant mint in your garden, or for more concentrated repellent effects, keep mint pots near doors and windows. Be cautious, though, as mint is an aggressive grower, so it’s best to keep it contained in a pot.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender isn’t just a beautiful and fragrant plant; it’s also a natural ant repellent. The strong floral scent of lavender is pleasant to humans but bothersome to ants. Plant lavender around your home’s entry points or keep dried lavender bunches inside to help deter ants from entering.
3. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Eucalyptus is well-known for its ability to repel a variety of pests, including ants. The oils found in eucalyptus leaves contain compounds that ants find overwhelming. Growing eucalyptus trees or shrubs in your yard or using eucalyptus essential oils inside your home can help keep ants away.
4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon is not only a spice used in cooking but also a powerful ant repellent. Ants dislike the scent of cinnamon, and sprinkling ground cinnamon in areas where ants are entering your house can discourage them from returning. You can also grow cinnamon plants indoors or outdoors as a preventative measure.
5. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree plants, or tea tree oil, are known for their insect-repelling properties. The strong scent of tea tree oil can repel ants and many other insects. You can grow a tea tree plant outdoors or use tea tree oil in a diffuser or as a spray around windows and doorways to deter ants from entering your home.
6. Bay Leaves (Laurus nobilis)
Bay leaves are another natural ant repellent. The strong, aromatic scent of bay leaves is not liked by ants, making them a great addition to your home. Simply place bay leaves in your pantry, along windowsills, or other areas where ants are likely to enter. You can also crush the leaves to release more of their scent.
7. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Tansy is a perennial plant with a strong, aromatic scent that ants find unpleasant. This plant can be planted near your home’s entry points, and its scent will help keep ants at bay. Tansy can also repel other pests like mosquitoes, making it a great all-around addition to your garden.
8. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is known for its citrusy fragrance, which ants find unappealing. The essential oils in lemongrass can be used to make a natural ant repellent spray. Growing lemongrass in your garden or placing pots of lemongrass near your doors and windows can help deter ants from entering your home.
9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a popular herb in cooking, but it also acts as a natural repellent for ants. The strong scent of rosemary deters ants and other pests. You can plant rosemary in your garden or use sprigs of fresh rosemary around your home to keep ants away. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in most gardens.
10. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums are beautiful flowers that also repel ants due to their strong fragrance. The oils in geranium leaves are unpleasant to ants, making this plant an effective natural deterrent. Plant geraniums in containers near doorways, windows, or garden entrances to prevent ants from invading your space.
Additional Tips for Using Plants to Keep Ants Away
In addition to planting the above plants, there are other ways to enhance their effectiveness in keeping ants out of your house:
Use Essential Oils: Many of the plants listed above, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, can be used inessential oil form. You can diffuse the oils inside your home or make a DIY spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and spraying around doors and windows.
Keep Your Home Clean: Ants are more likely to invade if they find food sources. Clean up any crumbs, spills, or food waste, and keep your kitchen counters and floors tidy.
Seal Entry Points: Ensure that there are no cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or other potential entry points. Ants can easily slip through tiny openings, so sealing these can help reduce the chances of an infestation.
Mulch with Repellent Plants: Mulching your garden beds with plant materials like lavender, rosemary, or mint can not only enhance your garden’s beauty but also act as a natural barrier against ants.
Conclusion
Keeping ants out of your house doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive pest control treatments. By incorporating these 10 plants into your garden and home, you can naturally repel ants while also adding beauty and fragrance to your surroundings. Whether you choose to grow mint, lavender, eucalyptus, or any of the other plants listed above, you’ll have a natural solution to keep ants at bay and enjoy a more peaceful, pest-free home.
