Why There Are Ants on Your Plants (They’re Farming Aphids)
Ants on plants are usually farming aphids for their honeydew. Control the ants to control the aphids.
Ants and aphids have a symbiotic relationship: ants protect aphids from predators, and aphids secrete honeydew that ants eat.
How to Confirm
- Ants crawling up and down stems
- Aphids on new growth
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Ant nest near the plant
Why It Matters
If you kill aphids but not ants, ants will bring more. Control both.
How to Get Rid of Ants
Step 1: Control Aphids First
See: Aphids Natural Control.
Step 2: Ant Baits
Place bait stations near the nest.
Step 3: Sticky Barriers
Wrap tape around pot rims or stems.
Step 4: Diatomaceous Earth
Ring around the base of the plant.
Step 5: Find the Nest
If outdoors, find and treat the nest.
Prevention
- Monitor for aphids weekly
- Keep plants healthy
- Plant mint or tansy nearby
Common Questions
Do ants harm plants? Not directly. They harm by farming aphids.
Can ants bite? Some species do.
Will ants come back? If the aphids are gone, usually no.
Do I need to kill the ants? Only if they’re actively farming aphids.
Does cinnamon work? Some evidence it deters ants.
Can ants be beneficial? Yes, they aerate soil and eat other pests.