A heavy influx of ants on hydrangeas indicates an infestation with aphids. This is how you take action against it. With the following tips you can quickly get rid of the aphids and thus also the ants on the hydrangea.
What do I do if there are ants on hydrangeas?
Ants on hydrangeas indicate aphid infestation. SpraySpray the leaves of the hydrangea withSoap solution Repeat the treatment every few days for 1-2 weeks. The soft soap solution eliminates aphids. If these disappear, the ants will disappear too.
When do ants attack hydrangeas?
Ants on hydrangeas indicate an infestation withaphids. As long as there are only a few ants on the ground, this isn't a problem. If ant trails form up the hydrangea's leaves, aphids have probably piqued the ants' interest. If there is a sticky residue on the leaves, this is another indication of lice on the hydrangea. The sticky coating is a lice excretion known as honeydew.
Are ants harmful to hydrangeas?
Ants arenot harmful for hydrangeas, but aphids are definitely. Ants target hydrangeas with aphids. The ants eat the sticky excretion of the aphid. When the plant's leaves become sticky, the plant's metabolism slows down. In addition, the risk of fungal infections such as sooty mold, leaf spot fungus or mildew increases. To avoid this, you should do something about the pests on the hydrangea. If fungus is already noticeable, you may need to use fungicides.
How do I treat hydrangeas infested with ants?
Spray the hydrangea leaves with asoft soap solution If you expose the hydrangea to a jet of water every few days and spray it with it, you can get the infestation under control within two to three weeks. How to make the soft soap solution:
- 1 liter of water
- 20 ml soft soap
- some neem oil
Alcoholic spirit is sometimes used against infestation on smaller plants. However, this remedy is less suitable for plants in the garden or larger bushes. Finally, you should not spread alcohol over large areas in the garden.
Do ants eat hydrangea leaves?
Ants dodo not eat leaves on hydrangeas. The useful animals do not harm plants themselves. If you discover eaten leaves on the hydrangea, you are probably dealing with pests such as the black weevil or a disease. The ants only transport leaves away when they have already fallen and are lying on the ground. With this activity, the ants even provide a useful service for the ecological balance of the garden.
Tip
Baking soda helps against acute infestation
If the ants on hydrangeas make an unpleasant presence in the garden and the surrounding area, you can use home remedies or baking soda to combat the animals. Agents such as cinnamon or plant manure keep the smell of ants away from the hydrangea. You can even destroy the ants with baking powder or baking soda.
