10 plants that naturally repel ants from your yard

Growing lots of these plants can help convince ants to go elselwhere.

Ants can be real assets in the garden; they benefit plants by controlling pests like cutworms and spreading wildflower seeds. But ants that invade your garden, potted plants, or your home are less welcome. They make gardening unpleasant and may even leave you with nasty bites.

To help keep ants out of your in-ground garden, raised beds, or containers, here’s a selection of plants that naturally repel ants and other pests as well.

01 of 10

Mint

Famous for their aromatic leaves and fast growth rates, mints of all sorts naturally repel an assortment of garden pests and keep ants away, too. Peppermint and spearmint are the most common choices for reducing ant problems; however, catnip and other plants in the mint family can also be used as natural ant deterrents. Most mints are winter-hardy in many areas, but because these plants can grow aggressively, it’s best to keep them in pots or dedicated raised beds.

02 of 10

Scented Geraniums

Scented geraniums contain geraniol, which is a natural compound that has a slightly lemony scent that ants stay clear of. Interplanting geraniums in your garden or keeping a few potted plants near your doorstep can naturally deter ants, as well as mosquitoes and other garden pests. For the most part, scented geraniums are grown as annuals and replaced each year; however, gardeners in Zones 10 and 11 can grow these plants as tender perennials and enjoy them for years to come.

03 of 10

Alliums

Garlic, onions, chives, and other plants in the allium family have a strong, sulfur-like aroma that repels ants and many other insects. Planting a ring of alliums around the perimeter of your garden is an easy way to keep ants and other pests out, but you can also place potted alliums near your door or in other strategic spots to reduce ant issues. Most alliums are quite cold-tolerant plants. If you want to grow alliums as perennials, chives and ornamental alliums are the best choice.

04 of 10

Chrysanthemums

Like geraniums, chrysanthemums produce a compound known as pyrethrin, which repels an assortment of pests, including ants. Hardy chrysanthemums are the best choice for gardeners in Zone 5 and up who want to keep chrysanthemums as perennials in the garden. Florist mums, on the other hand, are just as effective at repelling ants, but they are not cold-hardy and are typically kept as potted annuals for a single season.

05 of 10

Bay Laurel

Another scented herb with ant-repelling powers is bay laurel. It can grow into massive trees in hot climates. Below Zone 8, bay laurels are typically kept as potted plants that can be moved outdoors for the summer. The fragrant leaves are dried and used as culinary bay leaves.

06 of 10

Rosemary

When most people think of scented herbs, rosemary always comes to mind. Not only does its strong scent enrich the garden and savory dishes, but it also helps to repel ants and other pests, regardless of whether you plant it in pots or the garden directly. These plants are only hardy in Zones 6 and up. If you live in a colder climate, overwinter rosemary in pots indoors and place the plants back outside when temperatures warm and ants start to get active.

07 of 10

Lavender

Lavender may draw in pollinators with its fragrant purple flowers, but ants avoid the scent of its leaves and will give it a wide berth. Depending on your winters, you can either keep lavender in pots and bring it indoors for the winter or, in Zone 5 and above, grow it in the garden year-round. Although lavender is more cold-tolerant than rosemary, it has the same basic growing needs and thrives in full sun and sandy, well-draining soil.

08 of 10

Lemongrass

The aptly named lemongrass has slender, grass-like leaves and a rich, lemony fragrance that ants do their best to avoid. In most areas, lemongrass is best suited for container growing as it needs a frost-free climate and can only be overwintered outside in zones 9 through 11. That said, if you live in a warm area, you can also grow lemongrass directly in your garden or plant it near walkways to help deter ants from creeping too near your doorstep.

09 of 10

Pennyroyal

A lesser-known herb, pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, is mostly cultivated for its bright purple flowers, which have plenty of ornamental and pollinator appeal. However, these plants also help to repel ants and other common garden pests. The cold-hardy nature of the plant means you can grow it as a perennial in Zones 5 and up. Just keep in mind that, like other mints, pennyroyal can spread quickly if you don’t control it.

10 of 10

Eucalyptus

Many homeowners place sprigs of eucalyptus in the shower or in vases where the rich, invigorating aroma of eucalyptus can be enjoyed in its fullest. Eucalyptus, which is winter-hardy in Zones 8 to 10, also works outdoors as an ant repellent, either planted in the garden or in pots at least 12 to 18 inches wide. Aside from its ability to repel pests, eucalyptus is a highly attractive plant with unique, silvery green leaves, which can’t help but add beauty and texture to any bed you grow it in!

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens