Indeed, some species of ants are very good pollinator and might be attracted by the nectar in your basil flowers. In such a case, you will find those ants going back and forward from the flowers.
One query we ran across in our research was “Will basil keep ants away?”.
One way to think about this is dried basil leaves sprinkled around the kitchen in cracks and crevices should keep ants at bay. All you have to do is remember to replace them every now and then. Cucumbers aren’t just for leveling up your water and removing bags from your eyes.
You should be wondering “Do ants eat basil plants?”
Some have found that Ants are totally harmless to your plant, they will not feed on it. The majority of ants are deterred by a plant with a strong fragrance like basil. What ants are looking for in your basil is very likely the so-called honeydew. This is a highly sugary secretion produced by insects when feeding on the plant. Yes, you read it right.
What plants attract ants?
Other plants that allegedly attract ants are parsnip and desert willow. The parsnip is a valuable source of food for ants and other pests. They feed upon the nectaries of weeds.
Hostas are perennial plants with attractive foliage, commonly grown as ornamental plants. This plant contains honeydew deposits that attract ants and other pests as well. Ants and aphids are capable of damaging the leaves and stem of this plant.
While I was writing we ran into the inquiry “Do plants help with ants in the House?”.
The most frequent answer is: Just as a quick note, plants can definitely help with ants in the home and to repel them using their natural scents and oils if you already have the plants, but if your home is infested with ants then I just need to recommend something a little more serious as a remedy for that. If you’ve got a few ants here and there, by all means get some plants.
What herbs repel ants?
As one of the most loved herb, lavender has earned its reputation in aromatherapy and insect repelling. This mellow-scented flower also has the aroma that ants find repulsive.
In such concentration, the vinegar will repel ants immediately (and even more capable to kill aphids). However, be very careful. Such a solution, if ends up in the soil in large, can significantly increase its acidity, condition that might cause acid intolerant herb like basil to die.
Some of the other insect repellent aromatic plants are cloves, cinnamon, garlic, sage, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, peppermint, catnip, etc. You can put basil plant in your kitchen or living room to deter the entry of ants in your house.
How do you keep pests away from basil plants?
A properly cared-for, healthy, happy basil is naturally more resistant to pests than a sad, poorly tended basil. Make sure your basil gets plenty of light, and don’t overwater it! At the first sign of pests, act quickly to remove the damaged leaves and the pests themselves.