I found ants in my container garden
by
Robyn
+8
They sneak into the kitchen, but I just "give them a little bath" or finger squish one at a time. I don't want to spray. I just did some research and it looks like they can cause aphids. I don't want to do anything chemical, and I really don't want to kill anything, just invite them to LEAVE. So far I have sprinkled coffee grounds on the dirt underneath them, but what do I do INSIDE the pots. DOUG, BARB ROSEN, anyone else have any ideas for something natural. Thank you!
11 answers
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Rather than use a "chemical spray" you can use some "bait traps" like these http://www.amazon.com/Ant-Killer-Terro-Liquid-Baits/dp/B001HWZ85M I have a few clients that have had great results with them.
KMS Woodworks
on Mar 30, 2013
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Robyn, ants do not cause aphids. There is a symbiotic relationship between some species of ants and aphids in which ants protect the aphids on the plants they are found on so the ants can eat the "honeydew" the aphids produce. You could try sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your containers. Make sure you use horticultural grade, not the DE for swimming pools.
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 31, 2013
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ohhhhh, I get it now. Thanks for answering Doug. Question, shall I also sprinkle some of the DE in the pots I see the ants in? I mixed up some Dr Bronner's last night, haven't used it yet. And will the DE hurt my dog if she digs in it?
Robyn
on Mar 31, 2013
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@Robyn , horticultural DE is not harmful to pets. Basically, it kills insects by 'coating' their bodies and dehydrating them. Yes, you can add it to your pots.
Debbie Borthwick
on Mar 31, 2013
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Thanks so much Debbie, I will definitely get some then
Robyn
on Mar 31, 2013
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Just read a pinterest post suggesting a sprinkling of cornmeal. They eat it and it does not agree with them. ;-)
Lori J
on Mar 31, 2013
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now that my dog would eat, guarantee! Thanks Lori- an ant cornmeal "allergy" ;)
Robyn
on Mar 31, 2013
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bay leaves.... Totally natural chemical free.... Just put them out on counters, cabinets or windows ills or in your case you could just lay a couple on the soil surface of your container
Eq4bits
on Mar 31, 2013
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wow, so easy, thanks Eq4bits
Robyn
on Mar 31, 2013
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One of the quickest ways to get rid of ants is to spray them with glass cleaner! It is non toxic and stops them in their tracks. My friend was told by her exterminator that the first ants you see in your kitchen are the "scouts". Get rid of these so the colony cannot follow their trail that was left. Ever since I learned that, I use it when I see ants. I take everything off the counter, spray the ants and all of the counter and then I don't see them again. Works every time. I was sweeping off the front porch the other day, saw ants, sprayed with glass cleaner and zap...gone!
Jeanette S
on Apr 01, 2013
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thank you Jeanette, I bet that helps a lot of us :)
Robyn
on Apr 01, 2013
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