Did You Know: Certain Plants Can Be a Great Ant and Insect Repellent
By DB
@dgobucks226 (36024)
April 21, 2023 6:59pm CST
Ants can be a real nuisance as the weather warms and spring turns to summer. If you don't like using chemical sprays like "Raid" to kill them, certain types of plants can be just as effective. I know for me the smell of the insecticide is so harsh, hoping this natural suggestion just might make for a better alternative.
Here are 4 plants you can buy to place indoors or outdoors to keep those pesky ants away:
*Chrysanthemums
-This plant contain pyrethrum, which is a common insecticide ingredient making this flower a natural ant repellent. A word of caution though, place these in containers on a sunny kitchen windowsill out of the reach of pets. They are toxic to cats and dogs!
*Mint
-I remember my mom using spearmint gum as a way to keep ants out of her cupboards, so it makes sense this plant would be an effective one. And the smell of mint is awesome, except to ants. This plants strong fragrance will make them run for the "ant hills." And here's a bonus, you can cut off some of the leaves to liven up your meals!
*Lavender
-The leaves of this plant has been used in soaps, oils, and even cooking. The smell is very soothing and has been touted as a sleep aid and stress reliever. Although a nice aroma for us, ants hate it. Placing these in spots where ants might enter your home can be very effective. Just be aware they are also toxic to cats and dogs.
*Basil
-This plant is not only a very effective ant repellent it can ward off mosquitoes and flies in oil form. And a terrific spice to have around the kitchen to use in salads, tomatoes, olive oil and on pizza. And it is not harmful to your fur babies!
Well, hope you enjoyed the information and reading about these insect tips.
What do you think of this idea for pest control? Have you used any of these plants as insect Repeller's or others? If so, which do you find most effective or do have any other insect tips?
Information Source: Tom's Guide
11 people like this
11 responses
@rebelann (113180)
• El Paso, Texas
22 Apr 23
I've known about those being toxic to pets but I still plant mint near wasp nests and such but it appears I'll have to use a more drastic measure with wasps. I've been reading and found out that a really soapy spray is all I need to get rid of them and that soapy stuff won't hurt the furbabies. YaY ..... all I need now is night vision cuz they say wasps hide in their nests at night. Hmmmmmmm................................
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
27 Apr 23
@rebelann I understand. Outdoor plants would be on extremely borrowed time. Perhaps an indoor one. Basil is a plant you can keep inside and is safe around pets. Although with your two, better keep it on a shelf 
P.S. And you can pick off the leaves for a fresh garnish if your so inclined.
P.S. And you can pick off the leaves for a fresh garnish if your so inclined.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
Now that's some other interesting info I can use!!! I've been noticing several wasps noising around my front porch looking for places to make a nest. I will check out that soapy concoction you mentioned 
Fun facts:
Did you know peppermint and spearmint aromas can even deter rodents!
Fun facts:
Did you know peppermint and spearmint aromas can even deter rodents!2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (140733)
• United States
22 Apr 23
Diatomaceous earth is cheap and you don't need to water it or make sure it gets enough sunlight... It will also kill any insect that walks through it but won't hurt a human or furbaby. Simply dust it in areas where insects try to come into your home. It works by getting inside their carapace and drying them out.
You can't use it outside unless it's in a spot protected from moisture or dampness because diatomaceous earth will clump up and become useless if it gets damp.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (140733)
• United States
25 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 My daughter and I use it every Spring on the counter by our kitchen sink. We have a colony of black ants that want to come in and check our house out as a suitable foraging place. We're happy to discourage that without destroying the ant nest.
I hope you're having a great day.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
Thanks for that excellent contribution. Not pretty to look at like a plant, but I see this product is effective against a number of insect pests and even rodents. I did notice a warning about breathing in the dust, so I need to take caution with that.
Great feedback! 
Not pretty to look at like a plant, but I see this product is effective against a number of insect pests and even rodents. I did notice a warning about breathing in the dust, so I need to take caution with that.
Great feedback! 2 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58472)
• Germany
22 Apr 23
That`s a great information. I will see if I can get plants like that around here my place. Thank you for sharing this 
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
You welcome. I plan on buying some for inside my house to deter flies and those annoying gnats.
Rosemary is one I forgot to mention and is not only effective against ants, but flies, gnats and mosquitoes will steer clear as well, so you’re technically repelling several insects with one plant. And they say it makes a nice garnish to add flavor to french fries. shocked
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
25 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 I will try to find Rosemary plants and pace them inside my house.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
24 Apr 23
Chrysanthemums are such a pretty flower. Nice to know they have insect repellent powers too!
Rosemary is one I forgot to mention and is not only effective against ants, but flies, gnats and mosquitoes will steer clear as well, so you’re technically repelling several insects with one plant. And they say it makes a nice garnish to add flavor to French fries. Wow!
Glad you enjoyed the post
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91763)
• Arvada, Colorado
22 Apr 23
These are good to know DB.
I read somewhere that cinnamon also works for ants.
I used it in the last place we lived as they would always start in summer. And it worked..they wouldn't cross the cinnamon line
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
Cinnamon, how about that! I love cinnamon too much to share it with ants 
But thanks for that input, OT
Fun facts:
Did you know peppermint and spearmint aromas can deter rodents!
But thanks for that input, OT
Fun facts:
Did you know peppermint and spearmint aromas can deter rodents!1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91763)
• Arvada, Colorado
26 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 I did not know that DB..oh yes I adore cinnamon too
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
Lemon grass, never would have thought of that... thanks for the tip Judy!
Fun facts:
Garlic is not only a tasty addition for foods but a very good repellent. It can take its toll on mosquitoes, flies, rodents as well as ants, so it’s a good addition to a kitchen. You can even cut cloves to place around insect entryways (if you can stand the smell, lol).
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
25 Apr 23
Yes, and certain plants can keep insects out of your garden. I protect my tomato plants by planting marigolds around them.
Rosemary is one I forgot to mention and is not only effective against ants, but flies, gnats and mosquitoes will steer clear as well, so you’re technically repelling several insects with one plant. And they say it makes a nice garnish to add flavor to French fries.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (183856)
• United States
28 Apr 23
Thanks for the handy tips. I hate ants.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
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29 Apr 23
Me too. Although I hate flies and gnats more. Hard to catch and if you don't watch it they wind up on your food or in your drinks, ick!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36024)
•
5 May 23
You're welcome. My life is kind of hum drum to write about on a daily basis, so posting interesting stuff one might use or learn form is something I enjoy discussing.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
7 May 23
@dgobucks226 I do understand. But it helps when you are trying to have less drama in your life.
1 person likes this
