Using chrysanthemums to repel ants – the trendy way to deter these pests (2024)

Whether you love them or hate them, there's no avoiding that chrysanthemums are staging a comeback. This controversial flower knows how to start a debate; however, plant experts have just shared a convincing reason to get behind the trend.

If you're wondering how to get rid of ants, this fashionable flower may be the secret to success – and this expert revelation couldn't come at a more welcome time. The arrival of spring sees ants emerge from their dormant state in the search for food, and this is often found inside the home.

By combining one of spring's biggest pest problems with one of the most talked-about garden trends, you may be rewarded with an ant-free home – all season long.

(Image credit: Y Tng Jun/EyeEm/Getty Images)

How to use chrysanthemums to repel ants

According to Primrose, chrysanthemums are one of seven plants that naturally repel ants without the spray of nasty chemicals.

Other more unconventional picks include eucalyptus, marigolds, and basil – which repel ants with their smell.'Many don't know that a lot of fragrant plants can do a great job of deterring creepy crawlies,' says Evie Lane, their Gardening Expert. Not only will the aromatic fragrance of such plants keep ants away, but they also smell great in your garden or home, she adds.

Meanwhile, brightly-hued chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum – an ingredient frequently used in natural insect repellent. This means they can help keep ants away when they're grown as part of your flower bed ideas or arranged in a vase indoors. And, they can also be effective in repelling ticks, fleas, spider mites, co*ckroaches, and even bed bugs.

Plus, their wide variety of colors makes a pretty display. 'Not only do chrysanthemums produce their own insect repellent, but they'll also brighten up your home,' Evie says.

Using chrysanthemums to repel ants – the trendy way to deter these pests (2)

(Image credit: KatarinaGondova/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

Why choose chrysanthemums to repel pests?

Alongside being bang on trend, chrysanthemums (like the other plants that repel insects) are a safer deterrent than chemicals.

'Some ant repellents are not to be used around children and pets, which is why natural deterrents may be a better option if you have spotted a few ants inside the home,’ Evie says.

Overall, it's a safe way to tackle ants and it looks fantastic too – we think this is a trick that's definitely worth a try.

Using chrysanthemums to repel ants – the trendy way to deter these pests (2024)

FAQs

Using chrysanthemums to repel ants – the trendy way to deter these pests? ›

Chrysanthemums (Mums) – Repels ticks, fleas, ants, Japanese beetles and many other insects. Mums contain a neurotoxin called Pyrethrin, that kills insects, yet is safe for animals. Therefore, many insects tend to avoid this plant.

Do chrysanthemums keep ants away? ›

As well as looking beautiful on display, these flowers will keep ants at a distance. This is because they contain pyrethrum, which is a common insecticide ingredient. That means chrysanthemums are an active as well as natural ant repellent.

Do chrysanthemums deter pests? ›

Chrysanthemums contain Pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow. Mums are an excellent repellent for ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, and ticks.

Did the Chinese use chrysanthemum as a natural insecticide? ›

Pyrethrins have been used as an insecticide for thousands of years. It is believed that the Chinese crushed chrysanthemum plants and used the powder as an insecticide as early as 1000 BC. It was widely known that the Zhou Dynasty in China widely used pyrethrin for its insecticide properties.

Which chrysanthemum is best for pest control? ›

If hand-picking or spraying with water are ineffective and Bt doesn't solve your problem, consider stepping up to a pyrethrum based insecticide. The source of pyrethrum is the flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, also called the Dalmation flower.

What smell do ants hate the most? ›

Household items like citrus fruits, black pepper, peppermint oil, cayenne, thyme, and lavender can create natural ant repellents. Great for avoiding pesticides or conventional ant traps! Mixing parts of these substances with water in a bottle and spraying the solution around the house can keep ants at bay.

What is the best plant to repel ants? ›

1. Ant-repelling garden plants
  • Garlic.
  • Lavender.
  • Mint.
  • Rosemary.
  • Thyme.
  • Tansy.
Nov 16, 2023

How to make chrysanthemum spray for bugs? ›

Soaking: Place the crushed flower heads in water. For every 1 part of crushed flowers, you can use 3 parts of water. Let the mixture sit for about 3 hours. Straining: After soaking, strain out the plant material to leave just the liquid.

What plant keeps all bugs away? ›

While many plants can serve multiple purposes in your garden, lavender is the most effective at keeping the most insects away18. Though many people love the scent of lavender, insects tend to dislike it. Lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, fleas, flies, and others.

Which flower is excellent at repelling insects? ›

Chrysanthemums. These flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that is used in many bug repellants sold in stores. The flowers are great for repelling ants, beetles, roaches, mosquitos, and other pests. Plant them in areas like entryways and patio areas to keep bugs away.

Which chrysanthemum has the most pyrethrin? ›

Pyrethrum Chrysanthemum cinerariae folium (Dalmatian nematode) contains the most pyrethrins (1%–1.5%).

Do chrysanthemums repel mosquitoes? ›

Chrysanthemums

Mums the word… or not! This popular perennial contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. Pyrethrum can kill not only mosquitoes, but also fleas, flies, and some moths.

Why do Chinese drink chrysanthemum tea? ›

In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea is considered to be an anti-hypertensive food, meaning it can help lower your blood pressure, and modern research has supported these claims. One study found that chrysanthemum, as part of an overall regimen of food therapy, is effective in reducing blood pressure.

Do chrysanthemums repel ants? ›

Chrysanthemums (Mums) – Repels ticks, fleas, ants, Japanese beetles and many other insects. Mums contain a neurotoxin called Pyrethrin, that kills insects, yet is safe for animals. Therefore, many insects tend to avoid this plant.

How to get the pyrethrin is the chrysanthemum? ›

In the case of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, the highest concentration of pyrethrum is in its flowers, which are the focus of the harvest. Growers harvest the flowers at specific stages and dry the flowers. They then grind the flowers and extract the pyrethrum.

Is pyrethrum safe for humans? ›

The commercially available combination of pyrethrins (0.17-0.33%) and piperonyl butoxide (2-4%) seems to be safe when applied to the skin in a nonaerosol product. Pyrethrum is POSSIBLY SAFE when used on the skin in amounts less than 2 grams.

What flower gets rid of ants? ›

Lavender isn't your average garden greenery. This plant that repels ants emits a scent that sends insects packing, making it a versatile and practical choice. Ants aren't the only pests that lavender can keep at bay. Its sweet, floral scent also acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes, those notorious summertime nuisances.

What flower eats ants? ›

Captures of ants by pitcher plants

This seems especially true when a populous ant colony exits in close proximity to the pitchers; and some species of the Sarracenias may seem almost to specialize in the capture of ants, rather than of larger and winged insects.

What flower attracts ants? ›

It's a well-known fact that peonies attract ants, which crawl around on the flowers, feasting on the sticky sugars they secrete. Once the flower opens fully, and the sucrose has been consumed, the ants depart, whether they are outside or on someone's dining room table.

Why are ants all over my mums? ›

If you notice ants climbing on your plants they are probably attracted to a source of food provided by some other agent such as pests or disease. It is suggested you closely examine the underside of younger leaves towards the growing tips of the plants.

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