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Home and Garden
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Pest Control
Ant and Termite Control
How to Keep Ants off Peonies Download Article Co-authored by Hussam Bin Break
Last Updated: August 27, 2025 Fact Checked
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Keeping Ants Away from Peony Bushes
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Keeping Ants Off of Cut Peonies
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This article was co-authored by Hussam Bin Break. Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 206,097 times.
Peonies are a popular garden plant because of their large, fragrant flowers. A common problem faced by peony growers, however, is the congregation of ants on the flowers. Peony buds secrete a sap that is rich in carbohydrates, and the ants feed on this substance. The relationship between ants and peonies is so long-standing that it was long believed that the ants were somehow necessary for the peony flowers to open. However, this belief is untrue, so there is no harm in trying to keep ants off peony bushes in your garden or cut peonies in your home.
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Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Keeping Ants Away from Peony Bushes
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1 Spray peonies with water for an immediate solution. To temporarily get rid of the appearance of an ant infestation, spray the peony bushes with a strong stream of water. This will kill the ants on the bushes, but won’t permanently stop more ants from getting on your peonies.[1]XResearch source
2 Spray the peonies with insecticide for a more long-lasting solution. Find an insecticidal soap spray, and make sure the manufacturer specifically states that the product is effective against ants. Apply the insecticide according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks.[2]XResearch source
This method will not generally be acceptable if you are committed to gardening organically or do not want to harm the beneficial insects that aid the plants in pollination.
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3 Treat your peony bushes with a natural ant repellant to avoid using insecticide.[3]X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control ProfessionalExpert Interview Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of peppermint oil with 1 US quart (0.95 L) of water in a spray bottle to create a natural deterrent. Spray the mixture on the stems of the peonies and around the bushes to keep ants away.[4]XResearch source
In the place of peppermint oil, you can also use 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) cayenne pepper or minced garlic. Mix one of these with 1 US quart (0.95 L) water and spray your peony bushes with the solution. Or try a 1 part apple cider vinegar, 1 part water solution.
4 Prevent the ants from climbing the plant's stem using a homemade ant trap. If keeping the ants off the peonies at all times is your goal, you can make a simple ant trap using paper and petroleum jelly. Cut a circle with about 6 inches (15 cm) wide out of a piece of paper. Make a straight cut from the outer edge to the center of the circle, and then cut out a small circle at the center of the paper circle. Smear one side of the paper circle with petroleum jelly. Then, place the circle around the stem of your peony plant, with the plant's stem at the center of the circle. [5]XResearch source
If the petroleum jelly side is facing up, any ants trying to climb the plant will get stuck in it.
You can also buy commercial ant bait traps to kill the entire ant colony.[6]X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control ProfessionalExpert Interview
5 Complement your peony plantings with ant-repellant plants. Another way you can discourage ants from getting on your peonies is by planting ant-repellant plants nearby. Some common plants that tend to repel ants are geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Keeping Ants Off of Cut Peonies
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1 Cut and rinse the peonies when the buds are at the “marshmallow stage.” Peony buds that are showing some of the petals and soft when you squeeze them gently, like a marshmallow, are ready to cut. Before you bring the buds inside, rinse them in cold water to get rid of any ants. Put the stems in a vase so that the flowers will bloom.
For even more effective removal of the ants, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the water. A mild soapy solution will not harm the flowers.[7]XResearch source
2 Shake fully bloomed peonies gently before bringing them inside. If you cut a fully bloomed peony off of a bush to bring inside, hold it upside down and gently shake it once or twice. Look for any ants that may still be in the petals and flick them away with your fingers.
You can also rinse peony flowers in a cold bath.[8]XResearch source
3 Keep ants away from your blooms with honey and borax. Make an ant trap by mixing a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hot water, and 1 tablespoon (26 grams) of borax. Spread the mixture on a flat surface like a piece of paper or a notecard and place it near the flowers. The ants will be attracted to the honey, but die from eating the borax.[9]XResearch source
This solution is not safe for households with children or pets, as it is poisonous if ingested.
4 Sprinkle the flowers with cinnamon to naturally repel ants. Ants have an aversion to cinnamon, so if you don’t mind your flowers smelling like the spice, sprinkle a small amount on the buds or petals. You can also try placing a cinnamon stick near the peonies.[10]XResearch source
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Question What can I do to get rid of ants on my peonies? Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service. Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional Expert Answer You can buy an ant-repellent spray and apply it directly to the peonies. Otherwise, try placing ant bait traps around your garden to kill off the colony. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
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Tips
Avoid planting peonies near your house, especially near your kitchen. The ants on the flowers may then find their way more readily into your home.[11]X Expert Source Hussam Bin BreakPest Control ProfessionalExpert InterviewThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Consider that the ants and peonies are simply living in harmony. Most of the time, ants are not destroying the peony, they are just feeding from its nectar. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
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Things You'll Need
Keeping Ants Away from Peony Bushes
Water
Insecticide
Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, garlic, or apple cider vinegar
Paper
Scissors
Petroleum Jelly
Keeping Ants Off of Cut Peonies
Bowl
Water
Dish soap
Paper
Scissors
Honey
Borax
Cinnamon
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↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional This article was co-authored by Hussam Bin Break. Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service. This article has been viewed 206,097 times. 7 votes - 34% Co-authors: 11Updated: August 27, 2025 Views: 206,097 Categories: Ant and Termite ControlArticle SummaryX
If you want to keep ants off your peony bushes, start by spraying any ants that you do see with a strong stream of water to get them off the plants. Follow that up with an application of insecticidal soap spray 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks to get rid of the ants for good. If you prefer organic gardening, you can mix a few tablespoons of peppermint essential oil with a quart of water in a spray bottle and apply that mixture to the peony stems and around the bushes to keep ants away. You can also try discouraging the ants by planting ant-repellant plants, like geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula, near your peony bushes. For tips on keeping ants away from cut peonies, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Kathi Barger
Jun 18, 2016
"Very helpful. The use of common, natural items is simple and immediate! I didn't have to wade through a lot of personal anecdotes and reasons the author is interested in this topic. This article hits the nail on the head, while gently reminding that the planned destruction should be limited to reducing pests in my territory rather than killing an entire species. Ants serve a purpose in the food chain. Thank you!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional 7 votes - 34% Click a star to vote 34% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 11Updated: August 27, 2025 Views: 206,097
Kathi Barger
Jun 18, 2016
"Very helpful. The use of common, natural items is simple and immediate! I didn't have to wade through a lot of personal anecdotes and reasons the author is interested in this topic. This article hits the nail on the head, while gently reminding that the planned destruction should be limited to reducing pests in my territory rather than killing an entire species. Ants serve a purpose in the food chain. Thank you!"..." more
Laura Van Ness
Jul 1, 2017
"I had believed the myth that ants were a necessary part of pollination of peonies! But since they are not, and furthermore are not harmful to the plant, I will not be using an insecticide on them. I can easily shake them off of cut stems if I decide to have cut stems in the house. "..." more Rated this article:
Kerry Fastenau
Jun 1, 2016
"Someone had told me ants were necessary to have peony flowers. You set me straight! Thanks!"
Kate B.
Apr 8, 2017
"Some useful ideas on how to deal with the ants attracted to the flowers." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional This article was co-authored by Hussam Bin Break. Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service. This article has been viewed 206,097 times. 7 votes - 34% Co-authors: 11 Updated: August 27, 2025 Views: 206,097 Categories: Ant and Termite Control Article SummaryX
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1 Spray peonies with water for an immediate solution. To temporarily get rid of the appearance of an ant infestation, spray the peony bushes with a strong stream of water. This will kill the ants on the bushes, but won’t permanently stop more ants from getting on your peonies.[1] 
2 Spray the peonies with insecticide for a more long-lasting solution. Find an insecticidal soap spray, and make sure the manufacturer specifically states that the product is effective against ants. Apply the insecticide according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks.[2] 
3 Treat your peony bushes with a natural ant repellant to avoid using insecticide.[3] Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of peppermint oil with 1 US quart (0.95 L) of water in a spray bottle to create a natural deterrent. Spray the mixture on the stems of the peonies and around the bushes to keep ants away.[4] 
4 Prevent the ants from climbing the plant's stem using a homemade ant trap. If keeping the ants off the peonies at all times is your goal, you can make a simple ant trap using paper and petroleum jelly. Cut a circle with about 6 inches (15 cm) wide out of a piece of paper. Make a straight cut from the outer edge to the center of the circle, and then cut out a small circle at the center of the paper circle. Smear one side of the paper circle with petroleum jelly. Then, place the circle around the stem of your peony plant, with the plant's stem at the center of the circle. [5] 
5 Complement your peony plantings with ant-repellant plants. Another way you can discourage ants from getting on your peonies is by planting ant-repellant plants nearby. Some common plants that tend to repel ants are geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula. Advertisement 
1 Cut and rinse the peonies when the buds are at the “marshmallow stage.” Peony buds that are showing some of the petals and soft when you squeeze them gently, like a marshmallow, are ready to cut. Before you bring the buds inside, rinse them in cold water to get rid of any ants. Put the stems in a vase so that the flowers will bloom. 
2 Shake fully bloomed peonies gently before bringing them inside. If you cut a fully bloomed peony off of a bush to bring inside, hold it upside down and gently shake it once or twice. Look for any ants that may still be in the petals and flick them away with your fingers. 
3 Keep ants away from your blooms with honey and borax. Make an ant trap by mixing a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hot water, and 1 tablespoon (26 grams) of borax. Spread the mixture on a flat surface like a piece of paper or a notecard and place it near the flowers. The ants will be attracted to the honey, but die from eating the borax.[9] 
4 Sprinkle the flowers with cinnamon to naturally repel ants. Ants have an aversion to cinnamon, so if you don’t mind your flowers smelling like the spice, sprinkle a small amount on the buds or petals. You can also try placing a cinnamon stick near the peonies.[10] Advertisement 
Hussam Bin Break Pest Control Professional Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service. 
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