The ants They can be essential for the ecosystem of our gardens, helping with pollination and aerating the soil, but when their numbers grow out of control, they can cause serious problems. Especially when they climb into the fruit trees, as they seek to protect themselves from aphids, which in turn damage plants. Fortunately, there are multiple methods, both natural and homemade, that allow you to control and eliminate these annoying invaders.
If you have noticed that ants are affecting your plants or trees, whether in your orchard or garden, this article will teach you in detail how to get rid of them, using natural, sustainable and effective strategies. From physical barriers to natural remedies, here you will find a complete guide to deal with the problem.
Home remedies to eliminate ants from trees
Although ants play an important role in the ecosystem, their control is vital when they directly affect our plantations. Below, we give you several home methods that you can apply:
- Vinegar: A very practical method is to use vinegar, which can be sprayed directly where ants usually walk. Vinegar repels these insects, although you should avoid applying it directly to the ground because it acidifies the soil.
- Cinnamon: Another ecological and effective trick is to sprinkle cinnamon on the ants' routes. This aroma repels them and is completely harmless to the ecosystem. However, it is necessary to be consistent and apply the cinnamon for several days.
- Yeast and sugar: Mix yeast with sugar It is an ideal solution, since the ants are attracted by the sweet and, when they consume it, the yeast ferments inside them, causing them to die.
- Garlic infusion: You can soak several cloves of garlic for about 24 to 48 hours, then boil them and spray the mixture on the affected areas. The strong smell of garlic acts as a powerful repellent.
- Cooked rice with sugar: Similarly, you can attract ants with cooked rice mixed with sugar. When they transport it to their nest, the rice will ferment and destroy their colony.
These methods are natural, so you must be patient and apply them continuously for several weeks for them to take effect.
Create physical barriers to prevent ants from climbing trees
Another very effective technique to control ants is create physical barriers to prevent them from climbing up the tree trunks. Some of these solutions are simple and reuse materials you may have at home:
- Wire and cotton: Tying a piece of cotton-covered wire around the trunk is a solution that prevents them from climbing. Ants are not able to cross the soft texture of the cotton.
- Oil Trick: A very simple method is to cover a physical barrier – such as a cloth or sponge – with oil. The oil creates a slippery surface that the ants cannot cross.
- Sticky Strips: You can apply adhesive strips around the trunk, which trap the ants and prevent them from continuing to advance towards the fruits and leaves.
- Cover the trunk with agricultural lime: While this option is less aesthetic and may have a greater impact on the environment than others, it can be used in extreme cases to prevent the passage of insects.
Although these are effective methods, it is essential that the barriers are checked periodically, especially after rainfall, to ensure that they have not deteriorated.
Natural repellents to combat ants
In addition to home methods and physical barriers, you can also resort to natural repellents that scare away ants without harming the environment. Some of the most effective ones are:
- Garlic water: The strong smell of garlic is an excellent natural repellent. To prepare it, you just need to soak a few cloves of garlic in water for 24 hours, heat the mixture and spray it where you need it most.
- Rice: Scattering rice grains in areas where ants travel can help them disappear. The rice ferments inside their nests and eliminates them.
- Orange peels: Similarly, orange peels can be helpful. Grind up the peels and place them on ant trails to scare them away.
Take care of the environment: remedies to avoid damaging the ecosystem
It is important to note that, despite the nuisance they can cause, ants fulfill essential functions in nature. It is therefore advisable to avoid their total extermination, and to deal only with those that pose a direct threat to our plants. Controlling them in a sustainable way is essential for the balance of the garden.
If you opt for pesticides or chemical methods, be sure to follow the recommended dosages and not overdo them, as many products can harm both plants and the soil ecosystem.
Also, some plants like the mint, lavender or onion They can act as natural repellents. By planting these species, you will be helping to create a garden that keeps ants at bay without the need for chemicals.
By applying these tricks and methods consistently, you will be able to significantly reduce the presence of ants in your trees and garden, while respecting the environment and without using harmful chemicals. It is vital that you always check your plantations to verify that the ant population has not grown again.