Greenhouses provide the perfect environment for many types of pests, including ants. While ants may not seem like a big deal, they can do a lot of damage to your plants.
The warm, humid climate is precisely what these insects need to thrive. If you have an ant problem in your greenhouse, you can do a few things to get rid of them.
How To Deter Ants From Greenhouse?
All methods used to keep ants out of greenhouses work on the same principle – stopping them from following scent trails left by other ants. White vinegar, coffee, lemon, orange, cucumbers, cinnamon, and pepper are all odors that keep ants away.
Spray A Mix Of Water And White Vinegar Around The Greenhouse
Use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to keep ants away from a greenhouse and not kill them. They cannot stand the smell of white vinegar. Spray the mixture around the perimeter of the greenhouse using a spray bottle. You can also apply the solution to the frame and spray the doors.
Spread Used Coffee Grounds Around The Structure
You can also spread used coffee grounds around the greenhouse structure to prevent ants from entering. Ants dislike the strong smell of brewed coffee. However, the used grounds must be replaced every day.
Grow Peppermint
Ants do not tolerate peppermint, so they avoid it at all costs. Peppermint can be grown around the perimeter of the greenhouse structure, or mint tea bags can be placed where ants can potentially enter. Moreover, mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 liter of water and spray it twice daily.
Ants communicate through scent marks, and peppermint prevents them from communicating. Therefore, a strong mint scent will prevent them from communicating. In addition, crushed dry mint leaves can also be spread around the greenhouse or placed in areas where ants tend to gather.
Use Essential Oils
You can make an effective ant repellent spray by mixing a few drops of essential oils with water. You can use clove oil, vetiver oil, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil. To prepare, mix 1/4 cup of water with 15 drops of essential oil of your choice in a clean spray bottle.
Mixing a few drops of each essential oil in a solution proved more practical for many people. Ensure to spray the mix at least twice a day on areas where ants can enter. When ants smell the essential oils, they will avoid those areas. However, you need to keep in mind that you need to eliminate sources of interest for ants.
What Do You Do About Ants In A Greenhouse?
You can keep ants off greenhouse benches by securing each leg with a grease band or by placing the legs in water in a dish. Remove ant hills from the lawn with a stiff brush.
Is It Bad To Have Ants In Greenhouse?
Ants help plants by eating Honeydew. Although Honeydew itself is not harmful, it promotes the growth of sooty molds. Ants could be to blame for poor germination during this time, though this is usually only an issue in greenhouses. Additionally, ants are responsible for spreading weed seeds.
Conclusion
Addressing the above questions and methods provided, you should be able to get rid of ants and keep them away from your greenhouse with a little bit of effort.
