Ants moving around on the ground under petunias are not a problem. When the animals climb up the plant, however, things look different. Here you can find out what attracts ants and why you should act now.
What do I do against ants on petunias?
Ants on petunias indicate an aphid infestation. Dissolve 50 grams of soft soap (€4.00 on Amazon) and some neem oil in a liter of water. Spray the petunias with a strongwater jetand then treat the plants with thesoft soap solution
What do ants indicate on petunias?
Ants on petunias usually indicate an aphid infestation. The aphid excretes a sticky residue. This excretion is also known as honeydew and is high on the menu of ants. When ants discover aphids on the leaves of a plant, they specifically target that plant. They protect the lice from natural enemies such as ladybirds and milk the animals. If the leaves of the petunia continue to stick together, this will damage the plant's metabolism.
How to treat petunias with ants?
Spray the petunias with awater jetand treat the plant with asoft soap solution This natural home remedy frees the petunia from the actual pest – the aphid. As soon as the aphids are gone, the ants will no longer come. Treat the petunias as follows:
- Spray plants with a strong jet of water.
- Mix 50 grams of soft soap (€4.00 on Amazon) and some neem oil in a liter of water.
- Treat petunias every few days with the soft soap solution.
- After two to three weeks, the aphids and their residue will have disappeared.
Which home remedies keep ants away from petunias?
You can also use provenfragrancesto deterthe ants. These include the following ant control products:
- Stinging nettle manure
- essential oils
- Cinnamon
- Vinegar
Grow these under the petunias. The scent of these products deters ants and causes them to avoid the petunias. However, these measures are only suitable as accompanying measures. Basically, you should remove the aphids from the petunias.
Are ants harmful under petunias?
Few ants on the ground under petunias arenot harmful As long as the ants move sporadically on the ground, they even do beneficial work there. They clear away small garden waste, shred organic materials and loosen the soil. With this useful work you create good conditions for the natural formation of humus.
Tip
Use baking soda against acute ant infestation
Do you have petunias in your pot that were attacked by aphids over the winter and are now being hit by an acute ant infestation? Baking soda or baking soda are non-toxic ant killers that you can use in cases like these. Since ants are beneficial insects, you should use them carefully.
