Ants also appear on ivy under certain circumstances. Here you can find out when the plant attracts animals and how you can prevent ant trails on ivy plants.
Why does ivy attract ants and how do you keep them away?
Ivy attracts ants when it provides nectar for insects in late summer or when there are aphid infestations, as ants eat the honeydew from the lice. Essential oils, garden lime or alkaline substances can be used to keep ants away from ivy.
When does ivy attract ants?
Ivy still offers insects a food source inlate summerand also attracts ants duringaphid infestation. With its late flowering period, ivy can still provide nectar for smaller insects from August to November. In addition to bees, wrinkles and hoverflies, ants also visit the plant. At this time, the animals are already missing out on many other plants. Aphids on ivy leaves can also attract ants. Ants are known to eat the pest's honeydew and promote aphid infestation.
How do I treat ivy with ants and aphids?
Treat the infected plant with asoft soap solutionorStinging nettle broth You can determine whether there is an aphid infestation by looking at the leaves. A sticky residue on their surface indicates an aphid infestation. First blast affected ivy with a strong jet of water. This will help you get rid of some of the aphids and ants. Then spray a soft soap solution with neem oil or nettle decoction onto the plant. Apply this treatment every few days. After 2-3 weeks the aphids disappeared.
Do ants climb up ivy?
Sometimes ants find aclimbing opportunity in the ivy that gives them access to the house. If ivy grows up to a balcony or reaches into smaller cracks in the walls, the ants can use the plant to gain access to the house. You should keep such climbing options in mind if you are wondering where the ants on your balcony come from. In this case, cut back the plant or use home remedies to combat ants.
How do I keep ants away from ivy?
You can keep the ants away from ivy bysmellor byalkaline substances. Applying essential oils from herbs to ivy or using the following remedies will keep ants away:
- Lavender oil
- Lemon
- Plant manure
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
With the help of garden lime you can create a boundary that ants won't cross. The alkaline substance neutralizes formic acid and is avoided by the animals.
How do I destroy ants on ivy?
Basically, you can also use baking soda against the ants. Mix the product with honey or powdered sugar. Then it looks more attractive to the ants. After consumption, the animals die from it. However, you should remember that by doing this you are giving the beneficial ants a painful death. In addition, you will only catch part of it. They do not deter trailing ants from ivy, as is the case with other home remedies.
Tip
Relocate ant nest with flower pot
You discovered an ant nest at the base of the ivy plant? With the help of a flower pot and some wood shavings, you can easily relocate smaller nests.
