Ants In Potted Plants Soil. Much like with citrus, ants do not like the scent of mint leaves, cinnamon or cloves. The last reason that might justify the presence of ants in your basil, mainly on the soil this time, is nesting.
But of course, there’s more to it than that. Indeed, some species of ants, especially the fire ants, love to create a nest in the soil of potted plants because moist and warm and hide below leaves during the day. Ants love and are attracted to honeydew that is made by insect pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
If your pets make use of your potting soil as a toilet , a spray of diatomaceous earth will help remove the odor and discourage your pets from doing so.
Because of this, all 3 are great natural solutions to use around the base of potted plants to keep ants from climbing on board. Use enough soapy water that the water covers the surface of the potting soil. Indeed, some species of ants, especially the fire ants, love to create a nest in the soil of potted plants because moist and warm and hide below leaves during the day. My next step would have been to sprinkle curry powder in the soil, but the cinnamon worked!