My $6 ‘magic dust’ keeps ants away from your garden – a few items already in your kitchen will do the trick too
TOXIC chemicals aren’t necessary for deterring ants from plants, says a gardening expert.
He revealed the three tips he swears by for keeping the pests away amid a spike in online searches for how to get rid of ants.
Regardless of the warm weather, sitting in the garden can seem unappealing when filled with biting critters.
The six-legged creatures can cause further annoyance if they manage to work their way into your house.
Craig Wilson is the co-founder of online retailer Garderners’ Dream, which specializes in all things plant life and pet care.
He revealed there are three affordable solutions for making ants flee from your garden without using harsh chemicals.
UNPLEASANT ODOR
He recommended deterring the creatures by filling your garden with a scent that they detest.
“I’m a big fan of using what nature gives us to solve our little problems,” Wilson said.
“Things like citrus peels, cinnamon, or even peppermint oil around your plants can make a huge difference.
“Ants are not fans of these scents, and it’s a great way to keep them at bay, naturally. Plus, your garden will smell amazing.”
BBC Gardener’s World presenter Mark Lane previously revealed a homemade garlic solution can repel pests.
He said a gold-medal-award-winning hosta grower at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show taught him to make the mixture.
He said to crush two full bulbs of garlic in two liters of boiling water to “release the juices.”
Two tablespoons of garlic concentrate should then be added to a 4.5-liter watering can before drenching plants weekly.
KEEP CLEANING
Things can easily spiral out of control after taking a break from weeding and storing organic materials with the plan to compost.
It’s safe and natural, which is a big win in my book
Craig Wilson
Wilson said keeping gardens tidy is necessary for “happy” plants as well as discouraging pests.
“Make sure to clear away dead leaves, ripe fruits that have fallen, or any other garden debris,” he said.
“Ants love to find little bits of food to take back to their nest, so keeping things tidy can help cut down their food supply.”
BARGAIN REPELLENT
Wilson recommended using a budget-friendly fine powder made from fossilized algae.
“Diatomaceous Earth is like magic dust for gardeners,” he said.
Amazon’s mGanna store sells 100% Natural Diatomaceous Earth Powder for $5.99.
According to the manufacturer, it has essential minerals that “enhance” soil quality and promote water retention.
Customers have given it a whopping 4.2-star rating.
“Just sprinkle some food-grade DE around your plants- it’ll help keep ants away without harming them,” Wilson added.
“It’s safe and natural, which is a big win in my book.”
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.