Do you see small ants moving in and out of your plant pots? The problem is to get rid of ants from plants. Are ants making tiny hills in your soil? This is a common problem for flat owners in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. The warm weather and small balcony spaces make it easy for ants to build nests in pots.
In this blog, we will show you simple DIY steps to get rid of ants from plants in your home garden. You do not need harsh chemicals. You can use items already in your kitchen.
Why Do Ants Come To Balcony And Terrace Gardens?
Ants are not always bad for plants. But too many ants can harm your garden. Here is why they come:
- Ants like dry, warm soil to build nests
- They come for sweet substance called honeydew, left by pests like aphids and mealybugs
- Overwatering or underwatering can attract them
- Food crumbs or sugar spills nearby also attract ants
- Cracks in pots give ants a safe place to hide
If you see a lot of ants, check your plant leaves too. Many times, ants come because of another pest problem.
Step 1: Check Why Ants Are Coming To Your Plant
Before removing ants, find out the real reason. This helps you fix the problem for good.
- Check the underside of leaves for small green or white bugs (aphids or mealybugs)
- Touch the leaves, if they feel sticky, it means honeydew is present
- Check the soil, is it too dry or has an ant hill
- Check if there is any food or sugar spill near the pot
Tip: If you see aphids or mealybugs, you must treat that pest too. Otherwise ants will keep coming back.
Step 2: Gather Simple DIY Items
You do not need to buy costly pesticides. Use these home items:
- Neem oil
- Liquid soap or dish wash soap
- Water spray bottle
- Cinnamon powder or black pepper
- Old toothbrush
- Bucket of water
Step 3: Make A DIY Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is safe and works well for ants and other small pests.
- Take 1 litre of water
- Add 2 teaspoons of neem oil
- Add a few drops of liquid soap, this helps neem oil mix in water
- Mix well in a spray bottle
- Spray on leaves, stems and soil surface
- Repeat every 3 to 4 days until ants are gone
Step 4: Make A DIY Soap Water Spray
Soap water is good for ants walking on leaves and stems.
- Take 1 litre of water
- Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
- Mix well
- Spray directly on ants and on the trail they walk
- Also spray under leaves where pests may hide
Do this in the early morning or evening. Do not spray in strong sun, it can harm leaves.
Step 5: Break The Ant Trail On Soil
Ants follow a smell trail to reach your plants. You can break this trail using simple kitchen items.
- Sprinkle cinnamon powder around the pot edge
- Or sprinkle black pepper on top of soil
- Or place small lines of turmeric powder around the pot base
Ants do not like these smells. This stops them from reaching your plant.
Step 6: Remove The Ant Nest From The Pot
If ants have made a nest inside the pot, follow these steps carefully.
- Move the pot to a bucket or tray outside
- Slowly pour water into the pot, this floods the ant nest
- Wait for a few minutes, ants will move out
- Once ants leave, check the soil and remove any loose ant eggs with an old spoon
- Let the pot dry a little before placing it back
Do this on a weekend when you have time, and do it away from your main sitting area.
Step 7: Clean The Area Around Your Pots
Ants also come because of small food particles or sugar spills nearby.
- Wipe the balcony floor and window sills
- Do not keep sugar, jaggery or sweet food near plants
- Check for tiny water drips, ants like moisture too
- Clean pot trays regularly, do not let water sit for long
Step 8: Stop Ants From Coming Back
Once ants are gone, use these tips to keep them away:
- Spray neem oil once a week as a habit
- Check the underside of leaves every few days for aphids or mealybugs
- Do not overwater pots, ants like moist, undisturbed soil
- Keep pot trays clean and dry
- Move new plants to a separate spot for a few days before placing with others
Quick DIY Checklist
Use this checklist to control ants every week:
- Check leaves for aphids or mealybugs
- Spray neem oil or soap water
- Sprinkle cinnamon or pepper around pot base
- Flood pot if ant nest is found
- Clean balcony floor and trays
- Avoid food or sugar spills near plants
- Repeat spray every 3-4 days until ants stop
Final Thoughts
Ants are a common problem in balcony and terrace gardens across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane flats. The good news is, you can remove them using simple home items like neem oil, soap water and cinnamon powder. No harsh chemicals needed.
Check your plants often, treat the real cause like aphids or mealybugs, and keep your pots clean. With these easy DIY steps, your home garden can stay ant-free and healthy.
Facing an ant problem in your Mumbai flat garden? Share your plant type in the comments and we will help you with a DIY solution.
Akhilesh Maurya
Administrator at Farmer In Mumbai
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