Will Sugar for Dollarweed Control Attract Ants?

Sugar Application and Fire Ants

A Houston gardener worries that broadcasting sugar to suppress dollarweed might draw fire ants or sugar ants.

Answer

Sugar is watered in immediately, so it dissolves and doesn’t remain as a surface attractant. Its sole role is feeding beneficial soil microbes; the resulting rich soil naturally crowds out weeds. If ants are already a problem, scatter finely chopped orange peels over beds—orange oil is a proven fire ant repellent. Lemon peel deters cats from using beds as litter boxes.

Key Points

• Sugar does not attract ants when watered in.
• Orange peel is a safe, organic fire ant deterrent.
• Healthy, microbe‑rich soil suppresses dollarweed long‑term.