SHREVEPORT, La. - If you've noticed ants taking up residence in your potted plants this summer, you're not alone.
Jennifer McGimsey of Akin's Nursery says one of the most common questions customers are asking this time of year is how to deal with ants in containers.
According to McGimsey, potted plants provide the perfect environment for ant colonies because they offer well-drained soil and often contain a food source.
"Your ants are looking for a nice place to live, and they're looking for a food source, and your potted plants have both," she said.
The first step to getting rid of ants is to thoroughly flush the pot with water. Saturating the soil helps disturb the colony and encourages the ants to relocate.
McGimsey also recommends checking for aphids or other insects that ants may be feeding on. Treating those pests can help eliminate the ants' food source.
For a more direct approach, she recommends applying food-grade diatomaceous earth around the plant. The organic silica powder damages ants' protective outer layer, causing them to dehydrate and leave the area. Because it is food-grade, it can also be safely used in vegetable gardens.
McGimsey noted that different ant problems require different treatments.
For ants found inside the home or on hard surfaces such as concrete, she recommends using a liquid pesticide labeled for indoor and outdoor use. For ants in lawns, a granular insecticide is generally the better choice.
With ant activity appearing especially heavy this year, McGimsey encourages gardeners and homeowners to first identify where the ants are located before choosing the appropriate treatment.
"It's important to think about where your ants are and then decide what you need to treat them with," she said.
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