GardenMandy’s Green Guide To No Ants!
Oh ants, how I envy your organization skills. How I appreciate that you are most hard working and efficient of all insects.
But I don’t want you in my garden.
Luckily for me there is an easy solution for keeping you at bay. In fact I have two organic concoctions for you:
Garlic spray
Not only will you keep the ants away but any local vampires at bay as well. Steep 5 or 6 crushed garlic cloves in 4 cups of water for a few days. Strain and add to a couple gallons of water. Spray liberally around your garden perimeter but be careful not to spray directly on your veggies.
Not in the mood for so much stink? Looking for a more pleasant smelling brew?
Try This Minty Solution
Fill a spray bottle about half full and add a couple tsp. of peppermint oil. Believe it or not ants don’t like the smell of mint. Spray around the perimeter of your garden but be sure not to spray directly on your veggies.
Good luck and happy ant prevention!
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Posted: April 23rd, 2008 under Beneficial Insects, Organic Gardening.
Comments: 4
Comments
Comment from Lina
Time: May 27, 2008, 9:45 pm
Hi from Malaysia! This is very informative. Thank you for sharing. I have a very lil backyard garden and always have problem with ants. I have a question though (could be a stupid one). Anyway, why can’t I spray the garlic or mint spray directly onto the veggies? Would that kill the veggies? Thank you again 
Comment from Mandy
Time: May 27, 2008, 10:01 pm
Hi Lina from Malaysia,
Welcome! You ask a very good question. I suggest not spraying the mint water or garlic spray on you veggies for a few reasons. First all plants are different and can react to things differently so it is better safe than sorry in my opinion. Your plants reaction depends greatly on where you live also. Living here in the desert, spraying anything on your veggies during the heat of the day can burn them. Also you don’t want your strawberries to taste like garlic. Which is possible if sprayed directly on the berries.
I seriously doubt that your plants will react to either of these sprays. There is nothing in them that is harmful. So really it is more of a precaution to not spray directly on your plants.
I hope this helps and I hope you will stop by frequently! Good luck
Comment from julian
Time: October 29, 2008, 3:37 am
Hello, another (sort of) Malaysian here!
Interesting idea there - actually I have an ant nest in one of my compost bins - it doesn’t bother me too much, but do you think I should chase them out with some garlic water?
Appreciate any advice - thanks
Comment from mandy
Time: November 6, 2008, 1:58 pm
Hi Julian,
If the ants aren’t bothering you, I say leave them be. They can actually be very helpful with other pests.
If they are posing a problem, try the spray.
Hope this helps
Mandy
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