Why Are There So Many Ants in Plants? Causes and How to Fix it
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Often found swarms of ants on leaves, branches and stems of ornamental plants. Of course this is not an unsightly sight.
Besides, getting rid of ants on plants is not easy, because they could come back in the near future. So why do ants flock to your houseplants?
Reporting from Gardening Know How, Tuesday (5/1/2021), actually ants do not directly damage ornamental plants. However, ants actually target pests such as mealybugs, mites, or aphids, small insects that can damage your plants.
Also read: Many Ants at Home? Exterminate these 5 Easy Ways
Ants like to eat melons, the sweet and nutritious dung that these insects produce, so they will work to protect the pests from their natural enemies.
Ants on houseplants are a sign that your plant has other problems, and they are getting worse.
How to get rid of ants in ornamental plants in pots
The most effective way to get rid of ants in potted plants is a combination of bait and insecticidal soap. Buy ant bait and place it along the paths you see away from the plants.
It is likely that the ants have a larger nest outside. They will carry this bait back to the nest, thinking it is food, and will kill the entire colony.
Also read: 9 Benefits of Borax, Clean the Bathroom Floor to Get Rid of Ants
This will reduce the chances of developing ant problems in the future. Next, take the plant outside and soak it just above the soil surface in a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 liter of water.
Leave it for 20 minutes. This will kill the ants that live on the ground.
Get rid of any ants that are still attached to the plant. Remove the plant from the solution and let it dry thoroughly.
If you don’t like the application of chemicals to plants, there are several natural remedies that you can try, which are as follows.
1. Oranges
Ants don’t like oranges. Squeeze the zest against your plant so that the juice gushes out, which will help repel ants.
For a stronger repellent, boil half a dozen orange peels in water for 15 minutes. Puree the skin and water in a food processor and pour the mixture around your plants.
2. Dish soap
Make your own soap solution with 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in 1 liter of warm water. Spray it on and around your plants.
Soaps containing peppermint oil are very effective.
3. Spices
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, coffee grounds, or dried mint tea can be scattered around the base of the plant to repel ants as well.