Gardening tips: Ants on peonies – how to get rid of them

Peonies are one of the most beautiful flowers you can grow in your garden – they look amazing both on garden beds and in bouquets.

The only problem these flowers might have is that they tend to attract lots of ants.

Here are a few things you can do to fix that.

Identify the ant trails

Look closely at the peonies and observe where the ants are coming from and going to. 

This will help you locate their entry points and target those areas.

Remove food sources

Ants are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by peonies. 

Trim any nearby plants or vegetation that may be touching the peonies, as ants can use them as bridges to reach the flowers.

Prune excess foliage

Trim any excess foliage on the peonies. 

This improves air circulation around the plants, making them less attractive to ants.

Use soapy water

Create a mixture of soapy water by mixing liquid dish soap with water. 

Spray this solution directly onto the ants and the affected areas of the peonies. 

The soapy water disrupts the ants' ability to move and suffocates them.

Natural deterrents

Sprinkle natural deterrents around the base of the peonies, such as cinnamon, coffee grounds, or chili powder. 

These substances are disliked by ants and may discourage them from approaching the plants.

Seal entry points

Locate any cracks, gaps, or openings where ants are entering and seal them with caulk or silicone. 

This prevents ants from accessing the peonies.

Monitor and repeat

Keep an eye on the peonies and check for any new ant activity. 

If ants return, repeat the steps above to further discourage and eliminate them.

Previously, we talked about infected apricot trees.

• Related news:
• peonies
• ants
• garden flowers
• gardening tips
• ideas
• 13 January 2024

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