If Ants Have Invaded Your Garden, Here’S How To Fight Them: You Need 20 Cents If Ants Are Invading Your Garden, Here’S How To Fight Them

### Why Are Ants in My Garden?

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why ants are so drawn to your garden. Typically, ants are attracted by food sources, moisture, and shelter. They might be after your plants, the aphids feeding on them, or even the sugary substances produced by your plants. Whatever the reason, an ant infestation can cause significant harm to your plants if left unchecked.

### Effective and Affordable Ways to Combat Ants

#### 1. **Use Diatomaceous Earth**

One of the most cost-effective and natural ways to fight ants is by using diatomaceous earth. This substance, which costs just a few cents, is safe for pets, humans, and plants but deadly to ants. When ants come into contact with it, the tiny particles of diatomaceous earth dry out their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death.

**How to Apply:**

– Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around the affected areas of your garden.
– Reapply after heavy rain or watering to maintain its effectiveness.

#### 2. **Vinegar Spray**

 

Another cheap but effective solution is using vinegar. Ants dislike vinegar, and the scent can disrupt their pheromone trails, making it harder for them to find their way back to their nests.

**How to Make a Vinegar Spray:**

– Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
– Spray the solution directly on ants or around their entry points in your garden.
– For larger infestations, spray the perimeter of your garden to create a barrier.

#### 3. **Cinnamon and Coffee Grounds**

Ants have a strong sense of smell, and strong scents like cinnamon or coffee grounds can confuse them and keep them away. Simply scatter cinnamon or used coffee grounds around your garden’s entry points, and they’ll avoid crossing over them.

**How to Apply:**

– Sprinkle ground cinnamon or coffee grounds around ant trails, nests, or garden plants to discourage ants from settling in.

 

#### 4. **Boiling Water for Nest Destruction**

If you’ve pinpointed where the ants are nesting, boiling water can be an extremely effective way to eliminate them. It’s an inexpensive and immediate solution that requires just one item you already have at home: water.

**How to Use:**

– Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it directly into the ant nest.
– Be cautious as boiling water can kill plants and damage soil.

### Prevention is Key: Keep Ants from Coming Back

Once you’ve dealt with the current infestation, it’s important to take steps to prevent future invasions. Here are some easy prevention tips:

– **Seal Cracks**: Ensure that all entry points into your garden or home are sealed.
– **Remove Food Sources**: Clean up any leftover food, sugary substances, or food scraps in the garden.
– **Maintain Healthy Soil**: Keep your garden healthy by regularly watering and adding organic matter. A thriving garden is less attractive to ants.

Ants may seem like a small problem, but their impact on your garden can be significant. Fortunately, combating them doesn’t require expensive solutions. For as little as 20 cents, you can use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth, vinegar, cinnamon, and boiling water to fight off the ants and protect your garden. By applying these techniques, you’ll be able to reclaim your outdoor space and keep your garden thriving.