Some ants are not inherently a problem for plants. However, if plants are suddenly populated by animals, this can lead to problems. How to fight ants on plants.
How do I fight ants on plants?
To combat ants on plants, first identify the cause, such as ant nests or aphid infestations. Relocate the nest with a flower pot and wood shavings or remove aphids with a soft soap solution. Use lavender, thyme or marjoram essential oils to deter ants.
When should I take action against ants on plants?
Only whenant nestsettles under plants or ants showaphid infestation should you take action against the animals. Basically, ants are very useful animals. When you're out in your garden, you can definitely take this as a compliment. Ants primarily live in well-established ecosystems. You do your own part to preserve it. They remove small garden waste and carrion and improve soil conditions.
How can I relocate an ant nest under plants?
Use aflower potandwood wool to relocate the ants. Proceed as follows:
- Fill flower pot with wood wool.
- Put over an ant nest.
- Place heavy stone on pot.
- Allow ants to move into the wood wool.
- After 7 days, push the spade under the top.
- Put ants in new location.
Relocating does make sense in some cases. Ant nests can undermine plant roots. Then the plant not only loses its support. The ants reduce the soil beneath the plant's roots. Then it gets fewer nutrients.
When do ants on plants indicate an aphid infestation?
ant trails on the leaves andsticky residue on these indicates aphid infestation. The aphid excretes honeydew. Ants feed on this. They care for and protect the lice. As a result, the pest continues to multiply and the leaves of the plants stick together. This slows down the plant's metabolism and promotes fungal attack. Eliminate the aphids with a soft soap solution. Then the ants on the plants will also disappear.
Which plants are ants reluctant to approach?
Herbs withessential oils are often used against ants. These plants emit a smell that is unpleasant for ants. If you plant the following anti-ant plants in the garden, ants will avoid the areas planted with them:
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Marjoram
You can also mix lavender oil with water and spray it on plants. The smell of vinegar also keeps ants away from your plants.
Can I use baking soda against ants on plants?
Baking soda has also proven to be anatural antidote against ants. When the animals eat the baking soda, it expands in their bodies and is fatal. However, this is how you kill the useful animals. In addition, the powder evaporates quickly and does not keep ants away in the long term.
Tip
Use natural remedies to combat ants
You should primarily use natural remedies to combat ants on plants in the garden or greenhouse. Otherwise, insecticides or poisonous ant baits spread harmful substances that will soon be found in your vegetables, fruit or herbs.
