The ants destroy the basilicum, while there are no lice in them or anything.
2006-07-03 04:03:59 · 14 answers · asked by Greek Oracle 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Ants can be repelled by various natural means. Vinegar, cayenne pepper, chili powder, citric extracts, bone meal, cinnamon, cream of tartar, salt and even perfume can be used as a deterrent as ants will not return to those areas where these hot spices will get on their feet and antennae.
They have been known not to cross lines of chalk either, however this will wash away quickly and should be used indoors. Most of these remedies are used to deter ants from entering the home.
As for controlling ants in the wild of your backyard, it is difficult to get them to "move on" unless you attempt to kill them by means of some chemical control. Since you really don't want to do this n(you said 'ants to move away'), establish your tolerance for them and try to peacefully co-exist. Ants are exceptional soil "tillers" and provide much needed aeration of the soil.
Make sure your garden is a healthy one. Over-use of fertilizers and pesticides (which it doesn't sound like you do) can cause an imbalance in the soil and stress plants. Pests are attracted to stressed plants including ants. Ants are looking for food and water. Make that difficult for them. Be sure any trash is cleaned up and sources of water such as saucers, pet bowls, etc. are eliminated. Spray outdoor trash receptacles or recycle bins with any natural soap. Controlling ants will also control diseases and other pests in your yard. Ants "farm" and protect sap-feeding insects because they feed on the sooty mold they secrete.
Other way is to build a 'glass house'.
Best of LUCK
2006-07-03 04:06:54 · answer #1 · answered by Desert 4 · 14⤊ 0⤋
Can you put a chalk line around the basilicum? I've heard that ants won't cross thru chalk. Get some cheapy school chalk (walmart or staples or places like that sell it in around the crayons) and crush it into powder and put a two-inch wide line all the way around and they won't cross it.
2006-07-03 04:07:13 · answer #2 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laundry Detergent. Ants hate soap!
2006-07-03 04:07:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting some baking soda around them. It works on the ants anywhere else. Plus, it's nontoxic to humans and animals.
Good luck! Hope it works.
2006-07-03 04:07:17 · answer #4 · answered by sunscreen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahhhh, what are ants doing on your basilicum?
2006-07-03 04:07:05 · answer #5 · answered by chapiejd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a small trench around the plant and pour a line of Castle soap in it. They are repelled by this substance and it is non toxic to the plant.
2006-07-03 04:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by mrscmmckim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i heard somehwere that ants HATE cucumber/cucumber juice. maybe you can try using that around the basilicum
2006-07-03 04:08:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put Bounce next to the plant. A dryer sheet, for some reason they will stay away.
2006-07-03 04:07:09 · answer #8 · answered by Snuffy Smith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think dried rice does the trick - it expands in their stomachs and they explode. Oatmeal might too. You can also search for organic or environmentally friendly gardening solutions.
2006-07-03 04:10:50 · answer #9 · answered by paradalis_j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hot sauce in a spray bottle. It worked for me or powdered white chalk.
2006-07-03 04:07:35 · answer #10 · answered by ~Genie~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋