Eliminating Ants with Plants

A Look at Ants The most common pest in just about any home is ants.

A Look at Ants The most common pest in just about any home is ants. The come into just about any building, from home to office park, in search of moisture and food for their colony. Ants are natural scavengers and do perform the useful function of feeding on other insects such as fleas, termites, and caterpillars, as well as the flesh of decomposing insects and animals. Around the globe there are estimated to be approximately 12,000 species of ants.

While there are approximately 200 species of ants noted within the United States, very few of those will actually become pests in your home. Linepithema humile, or the Argentine ant, is the most common ant that will be found in the homes and gardens of those living in California. The other common species that can be found in United States homes include Tapinoma sessile (the odorous house ant), Solenopsis xyloni (the Southern fire ant), Solenopsis molesta (the thief ant), and Monomorium pharaonis (the pharaoh ant). Outdoors you are also likely to find Liometopum occidentale (the velvety tree ant) nesting in old wood.

How Plants Can Eliminate Ants Most people want to get rid of ants, but are not anxious to spread poisons around their homes. Many people have found plants and plant extracts to be incredibly effective in deterring ants. One cheap and effective plant extract to use to remove ants is black pepper.

You can cause ants to scatter by sprinkling them with black pepper. They will usually retreat back to the safety of their nest. This is the perfect opportunity to follow them and treat the nest with black pepper as well. Since black pepper is non-toxic and natural it is safe to use just about anywhere, including window sills, where pets and kids may play, and around food and food preparation areas.

Mint is another plant extract that have proven effective in deterring ants. Ants hate the smell of mint and will head in the other direction. You can help prevent ants by planting mint shrubs around the windows and entrances to your home.
 

, Ant Removal and Control.com
All rights reserved worldwide. All trademarks and service marks are property of their respective owners. Always consult a professional. The content on this site is the authors opinion only and should not be considered professional advice.

home product  | pest control  | outdoor furniture  | Backyard improvements  Outdoor pools

Home

Our Tips Book

Closer Look At Ants
Talks about what makes ants do what they do.

Prevention Methods
Tips for preventing ants in the first place.

Ant Removal
All kinds of ways to remove ants.

Ant Removal Home Remedies
Different things you can find around the home to help remove ants.

Contact & Disclaimer