When it comes to dealing with ants in your yard or garden, it can be tricky to find a solution that repels the ants without also repelling beneficial pollinators like hummingbirds. Ants can be a nuisance as they invade patios, kitchens, and other areas in search of food. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, are desirable visitors that can help pollinate plants. The key is finding a deterrent that targets ants specifically but does not harm other insect species. There are a few natural ant deterrents that may do the trick.
Using Liquid Ant Baits
Liquid ant baits containing borax or another insecticidal ingredient can help eliminate ants without repelling hummingbirds. The baits contain a sugary liquid that ants are attracted to. When the ants consume the bait, they bring it back to the rest of the colony and the entire nest is killed off. The baits work by specifically targeting ants with the sugary solution. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are not interested in the sugary solution and will not be harmed by it. This makes liquid baits a great option for ant control around hummingbird feeders or plants.
Some popular brands of liquid ant bait include Terro Ant Killer, Raid Ant Baits, Amdro, and Hot Shot. The baits usually come in small plastic holders that you fill with the liquid bait solution. Place the bait traps along any ant trails or near places where you see ants entering the house. The ants will be drawn to the bait and after consuming it, the ant nest will be destroyed.
When using liquid ant baits, be sure to follow the label directions carefully. Apply them out of reach of children and pets. It may take a few days to a few weeks to start seeing results. Replenish the baits as needed until ant activity is eliminated.
Planting Ant-Repellent Plants
Certain plants contain natural oils or scents that deter ants but do not bother hummingbirds. Planting these around your yard, garden edges, or house foundation can create a barrier that keeps ants away. Options to try include:
- Mint – Spearmint and peppermint plants contain menthol oil which ants dislike. Grow mint in pots or flower beds near problem areas.
- Citrus – The citric acid in lemon, orange, lime and grapefruit peels helps repel ants. Scatter peels where you see ants.
- Lavender – Lavender oil’s strong scent repels ants. Plant lavender bushes outside or use dried bundles inside.
- Eucalyptus – Fresh or dried eucalyptus leaves have an ant-repelling effect. Place leaves in areas where ants are seen.
- Catnip – The aromatic oil nepetalactone in catnip confuses ants’ scent trails. Sprinkle dried catnip along walkways and windows.
These plants can repel ants through their smell and taste without harming hummingbirds or pollinators. As an added benefit, many of them are beautiful, aromatic additions to your garden. Regularly prune and care for the plants to keep them producing the ant-repelling oils.
Using Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When sprinkled where ants travel, the powder damages their exoskeletons and causes dehydration. Ants dislike crossing diatomaceous earth and will avoid areas where it is applied.
An advantage of diatomaceous earth is that it is non-toxic to humans and animals. It can be used indoors and outdoors. Apply a fine layer along ant trails, around door and window frames, or anywhere else ants enter. Since diatomaceous earth does not rely on scent or oils, using it will not affect hummingbirds or other beneficial insects in your yard.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the preferred version for pest control. Wear a mask when handling the powder as it can irritate lungs if inhaled. Diatomaceous earth works when dry so reapply after rain or watering plants.
Spraying Vinegar
Plain white vinegar makes a great natural ant spray. The acetic acid in vinegar disrupts the scent trails ants use to navigate back to the nest. Vinegar can be used indoors and outdoors to repel ants without harming hummingbirds.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray wherever you have seen evidence of ants, including along baseboards, counter tops, window sills, door frames, and similar areas. For outside use, spray vinegary water along the foundation, patios, garden paths, and other ant trails.
The vinegar spray offers residual repellency but will need reapplied every few days or after rain. It provides a simple, non-toxic way to discourage ants without repelling hummingbirds and pollinators that visit your yard.
Using Essential Oils
Many of the same essential oils that deter ants can be used strategically in hummingbird feeders and gardens. Oils like peppermint, spearmint, citrus, lavender, eucalyptus and garlic oil repel ants but do not harm hummingbirds when used correctly.
Add a couple drops of essential oil on cotton balls and tuck them into hummingbird feeders. The smell drives ants away but does not stop hummingbirds from feeding. Refresh every few days. In gardens, mix 5-10 drops of essential oil with a couple tablespoons of water in a spray bottle. Mist this diluted oil spray around the base of plants and flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Directly applying the oils to feeders and strategic garden locations creates a smell barrier to keep ants away while allowing hummingbirds to come and go freely. Only use 100% pure essential oils and rotate the oils used to maintain effectiveness.
Sprinkling Cinnamon
Cinnamon powder is another natural scent that keeps ants at bay. Place small containers of cinnamon powder wherever ants are spotted – window sills, along baseboards, around pet food dishes, etc. The smell confuses ants and deters them from following scent trails into your home.
For outside use, sprinkle a line of cinnamon along walkways, patios, and door thresholds. The cinnamon smell overwhelms the scents ants use to navigate and forces them to avoid the area. However, it does not bother hummingbirds or keep them away from gardens and feeders.
Reapply cinnamon every few days or after it gets wet. Over time, ants may become desensitized so rotate this deterrent with other ant-repelling smells to maintain effectiveness.
Using Coffee Grounds
Like cinnamon, used coffee grounds can also be employed to repel ants in and around your home. Place small dishes or jars of dried coffee grounds in problem areas. The caffeine and smell will send ants running the other way.
For outdoor issues, sprinkle the grounds around plants, flower beds, pet areas, compost bins, and along the foundation where ants may enter. Ants do not like crossing over coffee grounds thanks to the smell and abrasive texture.
Replenish the coffee grounds every few days as needed. They will not harm your plants orPOSITIVE_PARAGRAPH: Here are some tips for repelling ants while still attracting hummingbirds:
– Use ant baits and traps that contain borax – borax kills ants but is not harmful to hummingbirds. Place the bait traps near ant mounds or along their trails.
– Plant mint, thyme, tansy or pennyroyal – these herbs naturally repel ants but will not harm hummingbirds or pollinators.
– Sprinkle cinnamon, coffee grounds or chili pepper flakes around outdoor ant trails and entry points – these natural deterrents irritate and repel ants but do not bother hummingbirds.
– Use essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass or tea tree oil – mix a few drops into water and spray around doors, window sills and other outdoor areas. The strong scent drives away the ants.
– Apply diatomaceous earth around the foundation and window sills – the powdery texture irritates ants but does not affect hummingbirds. Reapply after rain.
– Wipe down surfaces with vinegar and water – the acidity breaks down ants’ scent trails. Hummingbirds are not affected.
– Place citrus peels around plants and feeders – ants dislike citrus but it won’t stop hummingbirds from visiting.
With some strategic use of natural ant deterrents, you can prevent ants from invading while still welcoming hummingbirds into your outdoor space. The key is using remedies that target ants but do not rely on scents, toxins or textures that would also repel hummingbirds and beneficial pollinating insects.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several effective options for controlling ants in a yard or garden without repelling hummingbirds. Liquid ant baits, diatomaceous earth, vinegar sprays, essential oils and plants like mint or lavender make good choices. They use smells, textures and non-toxic ingredients that drive away ants but do not impact hummingbirds’ ability to come and go freely. With a combination of these humane ant deterrents, you can prevent ants from invading your home while still enjoying the presence of beautiful, helpful hummingbirds. Carefully using natural repellents is the best strategy to deter ants while welcoming pollinators.
