Ants might be small, but when they invade your garden, their impact can be significant. From disrupting plant roots to protecting aphids (a major plant pest), ants can be a real nuisance.
Thankfully, you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep them under control. With a little creativity and some natural solutions, you can reclaim your garden from these unwelcome guests. Here are 10 smart hacks to keep your garden free of ants and thriving.
1. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powerful, natural substance that’s deadly to ants but completely safe for humans, pets, and plants. DE is made from fossilized algae that form tiny, razor-sharp particles, which dehydrate and kill ants on contact. To use it, simply sprinkle a thin layer along ant trails, around plant bases, and near nests.
It’s most effective when applied to dry areas, as moisture reduces its potency. For best results, reapply after watering or rain. I’ve personally used DE in my vegetable garden, and it worked wonders without affecting my plants or beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
2. Make a Vinegar Spray

Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate and communicate with their colony, and vinegar is a great way to disrupt those trails. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then apply it to ant trails, around plants, and near nest entrances. The strong smell masks the pheromones ants use to find their way.
As an added bonus, vinegar can help deter other pests, like aphids. Just be cautious when spraying near delicate plants, as the acidity in vinegar can harm certain species. I like to use this method around the perimeter of my garden and on hard surfaces where ants tend to congregate.
3. Plant Herbs that Repel Ants

Certain herbs like mint, basil, lavender, and rosemary are natural ant deterrents. These plants emit strong scents that ants dislike, making them perfect companions for your garden. For example, planting mint around the edges of your garden beds can create a natural barrier against ant invasions.
I’ve also had great success with lavender near my vegetable garden—its fragrance not only keeps ants away but also attracts pollinators like bees. If you’re short on space, these herbs can thrive in pots, allowing you to move them wherever you notice ant activity.
4. Use Coffee Grounds to Block Trails

If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t throw away those used coffee grounds—they’re an excellent, eco-friendly ant repellent. Sprinkle the grounds directly on ant trails, around the base of plants, or near nest entrances. The smell of coffee confuses ants and disrupts their scent trails, effectively driving them away.
Coffee grounds also add nitrogen to your soil, making them a double win for your garden. I’ve noticed that even persistent ant colonies tend to steer clear of areas treated with coffee grounds, and my plants seem to love the added nutrients.
5. Attract Natural Ant Predators
Instead of fighting ants alone, enlist the help of natural predators like birds, frogs, and lizards to control their population. Birds, in particular, are excellent at eating ants, so consider adding bird feeders, baths, or native plants to attract them.
Frogs thrive in shaded, moist areas, so creating a small water feature or providing damp hiding spots can encourage them to take up residence. I added a small birdhouse and water dish to my backyard, and within weeks, I noticed a significant drop in ant activity as the local wildlife took over.
6. Sprinkle Cinnamon as a Natural Repellent

Cinnamon is more than just a spice for baking—it’s also a highly effective, natural ant deterrent. Its strong smell interferes with ants’ scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate.
To use cinnamon, simply sprinkle a generous amount along ant trails, around plants, or near nest openings. I’ve used cinnamon around the base of my tomato plants, and it worked like a charm. Plus, it’s completely safe for kids and pets, so you don’t have to worry about accidental exposure.
7. Boil Citrus Peels to Make a Spray

Ants can’t stand citrus, and you can use this to your advantage by making a homemade citrus spray. Collect orange, lemon, or lime peels and boil them in water for 15-20 minutes. Once the mixture cools, strain it into a spray bottle and apply it to ant trails, nests, and plant bases.
The natural oils in citrus peels act as a strong ant deterrent, and the spray smells amazing. I love using this method because it’s safe, non-toxic, and a great way to repurpose kitchen scraps.
8. Deploy Sugar-Based Baits

If you’re dealing with a severe ant infestation, sugar-based baits can help reduce their population over time. Mix sugar, water, and a small amount of borax to create a solution. Place it in shallow dishes near ant trails or nests.
The ants will carry the bait back to their colony, where it will eventually eliminate the entire nest. While this method is highly effective, be careful to keep borax out of reach of pets and children, as it can be toxic if ingested.
9. Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy

One of the simplest ways to keep ants out of your garden is by eliminating their food sources. Regularly remove fallen fruit, dead leaves, and other debris that ants are drawn to.
I’ve made it a habit to clean up my garden weekly, especially during the growing season, and it has made a noticeable difference in reducing pest activity. A tidy garden not only looks better but also discourages ants from setting up shop.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.