The top 5 plants that repel ants, according to gardening pros

If you've got lots of ants in your backyard, you don't have to resort to nasty chemicals in order to remove them. Instead, try planting greenery that will ward them off instead.

I've asked gardening pros for the ones they recommend adding to your yard, and they're all easy to bring in and maintain. From flowers like luscious lavender to herbs like beautiful basil, there are plenty of options to try.

If you're trying to get rid of ants in your backyard , I recommend getting your gardening gloves on and going for natural solutions such as these.

1. Basil

This herb is a great choice for your backyard, as it will also provide a delicious fragrance as well as repelling ants.

“Basil strongly smells of oils like eugenol, which is a real turn-off for ants and other pests,” explains Matthew Wilson , gardener at Handy Gardeners.

He recommends planting this in rich, well-drained soil with full sun, as well as pinching off flowers to promote leaf growth and retain the repellency of the plant.

2. Mint

Mint is such a brilliant all-rounder, with it not only tasting wonderful in cool drinks but also repelling ants effectively.

“Ants avoid mint due to the barrier of the menthol oils found in the mint herb,” Matthew says. “The fast growth and the spreading form of this herb makes it a relatively good ground cover.”

If you don’t want it to do this, Matthew suggests growing it in containers to keep its growth under check.

“I also advise regularly harvesting the leaves for use in cooking, which will help the plant stay in good health and in a potent stage of its life cycle,” he adds.

3. Lavender

I have a lavender plant in my backyard where I’m also growing vegetables, so I’m thrilled that not only does it smell good, but it is also working to deter ants from my outdoor space.

Matthew explains, “Lavender, with its key ingredients or oils, such as linalool, produces a fragrance that repels ants while making your yard look good.

“Planting lavender around entry points like patios, decks, and foundations creates a barrier against ants,” adds Sal Musto , gardener and landscaping expert at SalCorp Landscaping & Construction.

Just make sure to prune it regularly even after it blooms, in order to allow it to maintain its form and strong scent.

4. Lemongrass

For those who are trying to repel mosquitos from their backyards as well as ants, lemongrass is worth trying.

“Lemongrass contains citronella, which is a compound with ant-repellent properties. The essential oils from these plants can also be used to make natural ant spray by mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle,” Sal explains.

“Apply the spray around doorways, windowsills, and any cracks or crevices where ants may enter,” he suggests.

If you’re keeping your spray bottle outside, it’s worth finding one made with a durable material such as glass, such as the LiBa Glass Spray Bottles from Walmart which are BPA-free.

5. Rosemary

This is another aromatic herb that can be used to freshen up your backyard and enhance your cooking.

Matthew explains, “Rosemary's aromatic oils — camphor and cineole — repel ants while beautifying the garden itself with a great fragrance.”

He says to plant it in sandy, fast-draining soil in full sun, and to stay on top of pruning in order to keep it bushy and to allow it to release more oils.

Ant repellent essentials

Size: 4 oz.
Made from: Oil, glass
Price: $9.99

As well as planting basil, you can always mix up your own pest repellent by placing a few drops of this essential oil in a spray bottle with water. I adore the scent of basil, so I'm thinking of putting this in one of my best essential oil diffusers in my kitchen. It's also a great natural solution that is quick and effective.

Size: 32 oz.
Weight: 4.88 pounds
Price: $19.76 for two

If you're struggling with an ant infestation in your backyard and plants just aren't cutting it, it might be time to go for something stronger. This Cutter spray is the genius backyard bug spray gardening pros always reach for , with it lasting over 12 weeks once it's been applied. Shoppers love it, but do warn to be careful spraying it around plants.

Size: 17 oz.
Made from: Wax, metal
Price: $6.97

If you can't plant lemongrass, going for a citronella-based candle like this instead will also deter ants. It will also enhance the outdoor lighting in your backyard. For those planning al fresco dinners, place it on your table to ensure pests stay away from your food. This is also made by the same brand that created the bestselling Cutter bug spray, so using them both together could be a magic combo.

To maximize the effectiveness of these ant-repellant plants, Sal suggests grouping several of them together.

“Adding these natural repellents along with good yard maintenance like removing food sources and sealing any entry points is the best approach to controlling ants,” he finishes by saying.

Dealing with ants up high as well as down low? Learning how to keep ants off your hummingbird feeder may also come in useful.