Ants in pots in Get Rid of the Ants in Your Containers

By Xeramtheum
May 9, 2013

A large part of my garden is in containers, so I am constantly battling ants that would like to take up residence. Here is how I get rid of them. When I find a pot crawling with ants, I sprinkle a little granular insecticide on the ground and a little on the surface of the soil in the pots, then water. Ants will vacate the premises in about 48 hours. I've also started sprinkling a little granular insecticide when I set out pots on the ground in the spring before the ants even have a chance to build a new home. It usually keeps the pots ant free for 2 months or so. This also works well for plants I keep in the greenhouse with saucers under them.

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cynda

May 11, 2013 9:08 AM CST

Thread OP

Have you tried Boraxo instead of insecticide?

| @cynda | Post #405069 (1)

Xeramtheum

May 11, 2013 10:29 AM CST

Name: Anne
Summerville, SC (Zone 8a)
Only dead fish go with the flow!

Borax is just as poisonous as insecticide and there is a very VERY fine line as to how much you can use in the garden before you have irrevocably poisoned the ground. Borax, made out of Boron, a mineral that does not break down and dissipate with time and a salt of Boric Acid. Boron is a naturally occurring trace mineral. Using Borax is cumulative since it doesn't break down.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
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| @Xeramtheum | Post #405092 (2)

orchidgal

May 11, 2013 9:10 PM CST

Name: Elfrieda
Indian Harbour Beach, Florida (Zone 10a)

I wouldn't want to use any insecticide in pots; especially if you're growing veggies in them. I've found that just sprinkiling cinnamon around the pot and on the surface of the potting soil will discourage them very quickly. Cinnamon is used also as a natural antiseptic and orchid growers use it all the time to dip their cuttings in or shake over the roots when repotting. This is much safer than any insecticide;

“I was just sittin’ here enjoyin’ the company. Plants got a lot to say, if you take the time to listen”
Eeyore

| @orchidgal | Post #405333 (3)

Last edited by orchidgal May 11, 2013 9:12 PM

Xeramtheum

May 12, 2013 5:30 AM CST

Name: Anne
Summerville, SC (Zone 8a)
Only dead fish go with the flow!

I certainly wouldn't be using insecticides in pots if I grew veggies. I am VERY judicious in my use of insecticides. Diatomaceous Earth usually takes care of most things.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
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| @Xeramtheum | Post #405406 (4)

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Get Rid of the Ants in Your Containers

Ants in pots

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Get Rid of the Ants in Your Containers Ants in pots

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Get Rid of the Ants in Your Containers

Ants in pots