Insects

Common Plants that Attract and Repel Ants

The odorous house ant is one of the most common pests facing Maryland homeowners. Most pest species of ants are attracted to sweets, and they can cause huge headaches for gardeners and anyone else wanting to protect plants from aphid and ant infestations. Are the trees and shrubs near your home encouraging an ant problem?

If you are in need of ant control in Baltimore or a surrounding area, give us a call now at (410) 653-2121.

The Connection Between Ants and Aphids

In most cases, homeowners don’t realize they have aphid problems until they find them in their homes. Aphids are plant-damaging insects that blend into plant stems and leaves thanks to camouflaging colors. Ants will return to aphids day after day to “tend” to the aphids, as they secrete a sugary substance called honeydew. Honeydew is collected by ants and used to feed the colony. Because ants value honeydew so much, they will protect aphids from predators. Any plants that attract or house aphids will also encourage ants to appear in large numbers.

What Plants Attract Ants?

  • English Ivy
  • Maple Trees
  • Cherry Trees
  • Crape Myrtle
  • Rose Bushes
  • Peonies
  • Small’s Stonecrop
  • Clematis
  • Wild Parsnip
  • Desert Willow

What Plants Repel Ants?

To repel ants from your plants, you should focus on planting things that will not attract the termites, caterpillars, fleas, and aphids that ants love to prey upon. By planting these plants along the side of your home and closest to your property, you will discourage ants from making the trek inside your home and causing a real problem. Many of these plants also repel other garden pests like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

  • Mint
  • Tansy or Golden Buttons
  • Common Yarrow
  • Garlic
  • Catnip
  • Pennyroyal
  • Sage
  • Basil
  • Lavender
  • Lemongrass
  • Lemon Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Fennel
  • Lemon Balm
  • Thyme
  • Alliums
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Petunias
  • Pitcher Plants

Schedule Ant Control Services with Brody Brothers

If you’re experiencing an ant problem in your home, call Brody Brothers as soon as possible. We can send out a qualified pest control professional to take care of the issue.

To schedule ant control in Baltimore or a surrounding area, give us a call at (410) 653-2121 or contact us online now.

Levi Brody

Recent Posts

The 7 Best Mouse Traps in 2024: Expert-Tested Picks for Fast, Effective Results

Finding The Best Mouse Traps to Solve Your Mouse Problem Mice are a common problem…

1 month ago

How Do Mice Get in Your House? Important Steps to Take in the Winter

When temperatures drop in Maryland, you’re not the only one looking to stay warm—mice are…

3 months ago

Brody Brothers Pest Control Brings Award-Winning Services and New Jobs to Anne Arundel County

Brody Brothers Pest Control, a local pest control leader with a reputation for excellence, has…

5 months ago

Happy Earth Day! Why Eco-Conscious Pest Control Matters

At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we celebrate Earth Day every year and National Pest Management…

8 months ago

Brody Brothers Celebrates 40 Years with Harford County Grand Opening

Brody Brothers Pest Control, a local family-owned business, celebrated the opening of its new Harford…

9 months ago

5 Common Types of Ants in Maryland and How to Keep Them Out of Your Home

Whether you’ve got small ants in the kitchen or large ants in the bathroom, you’ve…

10 months ago