Ants in my
plants!!!
We’ve all seen
them, scurrying around like little dervishes. What are they doing? Why are they
here? Can I get rid of them safely?
Okay, first
let’s understand a little bit about why they’re there. Ants are little farmers,
herders really. They find insects in your plants, usually scale, mealy bug,
aphids, and protect them fiercely and fight off most predators of those they
are herding. Why do they do this? The excrement from the insects, aphids, mealy
bugs and others is food to them. This excrement is also called ‘honeydew” and
is what they are so fiercely protecting. Eliminate the food source and away
goes those ants!
 |
| Ant protecting aphids |
Now, to get rid
of those insects the ants are protecting can be easy, such as picking off the
aphids (or using a dose of high pressure water making sure it won’t damage the
more fragile plants) and being more diligent in the future. For more clinging
type, such as scale and mealy bug, it can be a bit more difficult. You can use
manual removal, providing the plant is fairly small and not inundated with
them. You can use repeated applications of an insecticidal soap until they have
gone. Another method is using beneficial insects at the first sign of
infestation. Be aware, you can’t use the beneficial insects and any kind of
pesticide at the same time. Most pesticides, whether organic or synthetic are
NOT selective. They are meant to kill whatever comes in contact with it.
Definitely check the label on these.
 |
| Brown scale on leaf |
If you wish to
use a chemical, there are systemics (usually diluted and poured at base of
plant, plant takes up the chemical throughout the whole plant, making the plant taste
terrible to the insects) that can be used, both on ornamental plants and on most edibles. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY. If it doesn’t
list your plant and/or insect, don’t use it as you will be wasting your time
and money. Make sure if you are using it on your edible plants, it lists how
soon after application you can safely harvest. Many systemics are good for 3-6
months and some are good for a whole year. The choice is yours and a notation
on your calendar or in your phone’s calendar can help you keep on top of it.
 |
| Cottony Cushiony Scale |
A little plant
housekeeping by taking weekly walks in your yard and inspecting
your plants will help with early detection. Plant a lot of flowers, even if
they are seasonal type only. Doing this will help bring in beneficial insects
and confuse many of the bad ones because they have so much to choose from. Try
for diversity in your yard. Too many of the same plants (known as a monoculture)
is just a buffet for the bad guys! Make sure that you are giving your plants
the nutrition and water they need. Stress will bring on insects and disease as
well. Even top dressing your flower and veggie beds with a good compost will
help your plants thrive.
Happy
gardening!
Mary
Click on link for resource for
beneficial insects:
For information
on Systemic pesticides click on link
These chemicals
can be purchased at most retail and garden centers
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