How do I get rid of ants in the soil of my outside plants on my patio?
By Brenda C from Clinton, NC
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I place my plants in a large saucer or tub containing about an inch of soapy water, then flood the potting soil with a soapy-water solution (a little Dawn dishsoap in water). The soapy water will kill the ants, which can't get away because of the water in the saucer/tub. When the ants climb up the pot or up the plant, I spray the soapy water on them. But don't do this in sunlight because it can burn the plants. After the ants are dead, I spray clean water on the plants to remove the soapy water. I've never had a plant die, and I put all my plants out in early spring, each year. Sometimes, I'll water my plants with soapy water just to make sure they don't contain any ants before bringing them in. It's a cheap solution to an aggrevating problem.
hi susan my name is lanell I have red ants in my plant outside and im not sure how they got there but I just read your answer to my question but I have a question how long does this that for the plant to completely get out and how offend to I spray the plant thank you
I have been using Dawn for a long time and water my plants in pots before bringing in for the winter and I have had no problem with insects.
I would suggest you Mix a teaspoon of dishwater liquid or any soap liquid in a pint of warm water. Spray it on and around the plants. If you have peppermint oil then add a few drops of this super-effective.
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