7 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Potted Plants—and Keep Them Out

Finding ants in your potted plants can be both startling and disturbing, even if you’re an insect lover. So, what should you do when this happens? First, take a breath and keep in mind that these tiny insects play an oversized role in keeping our gardens healthy.

The insect specialists we consulted stress the fact that ants are ecosystem superstars. They improve soil health through decomposition and aeration, help with nutrient cycling, and serve as both predators of garden pests and prey for other wildlife.

However, insects of any kind may feel like a nuisance when they move into your container plants. The easy methods below will help you eliminate ants from your pots and stop them from coming back.

Why Ants Love Pots

With over 15,000 ant species worldwide—and more than 700 in North America—ants vary widely in behavior and nesting preferences, says Patrick Liesch, the director of the insect diagnostic lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While many steer clear of potted plants, others seek out small, protected spaces with loose, easy-to-dig soil, which is exactly what potted plants offer.

“Potted areas are a great habitat for them,” says Madeline Potter, a faculty specialist in entomology and integrated pest management at the University of Maryland. The light texture of potting mix makes it easy to tunnel through, and cavities within the soil provide cozy spots for ants to nest. The presence of sap-feeding insects like aphids on your plants also attracts ants with the sugary “honeydew” they secrete.

Are Ants in Potted Plants Bad?

Luckily, ants usually won’t hurt your plants. “In most cases, having ants in a potted plant doesn't mean anything in terms of plant health, or that there is some sort of problem,” says Liesch.

Potter agrees, though she notes that a large colony that is actively moving a lot of soil may stress the plant. If your plant looks healthy, it is usually best to leave the ants alone—unless they’re becoming a nuisance or you simply don’t want them there.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Pots

If the ants are near your home or just unwelcome, there are a few easy ways to encourage them to move on, according to our experts. Many options are simple, cost-effective, and don’t require a trip to the store.

1. Repot the Plant

“The best thing you can do is to repot them with fresh growing media,” says Potter. Do this outside and wear gardening gloves and long sleeves to prevent ant bites. Remove as much of the old soil as you can and place it in other areas of your yard or compost it. Then replant using clean, fresh potting mix.

2. Disturb the Soil

The ants that nest in pots are adept at picking up their colonies and moving them quickly, says Liesch. Simply disturbing the soil with a trowel or other gardening tool might be enough to encourage them to find a new home.

3. Soak the Pot in Water

A simple water bath also encourages ants to relocate. Submerge the entire pot in water for an hour or so, then let it drain thoroughly. Avoid watering again until the soil dries out. “The ants aren't going to be able to tolerate that, and they're going to want to leave,” says Liesch.

4. Use Insecticidal Soap

Applying an insecticidal soap is a less toxic alternative to conventional pesticides. Even so, read the label fully and follow the directions carefully, says Potter. If the pot houses an edible plant, double-check that the product is approved for use on food crops.

Avoid spraying the flowers if your plant is in bloom, warns Potter, because this could harm pollinators. “Always be mindful with any sort of chemical product,” she advises.

Tips for Keeping Ants Out of Pots

If you have issues with ants returning to your pots after you evict them, use the following methods to prevent them from re-establishing colonies. 

1. Create a Sticky Barrier

Wrap tape (sticky side out) around the base of the pot or use a product like Tanglefoot to trap ants as they try to climb back in. Just make sure the plant isn’t touching anything like a wall or another plant, as ants can use that as a bridge.

2. Create a Moat

Place your pot in a shallow tray of water to block ants from reaching it. Just be careful not to let the pot sit in water for too long. Overly wet soil harms your plant. And be sure to empty and refresh water trays regularly to avoid creating mosquito habitat, advises Potter.

3. Inspect New Plants

If you’re bringing home a new potted plant, do a quick check for ants and any sap-feeding insects before adding it to your collection. If you see signs of an ant colony, consider repotting the plant with fresh soil right away.