Methods For Removing Ants From Orchids?

Ants are not naturally attracted to orchids, but they are present due to the clear, sweet sap on the orchid, also known as honeydew. Ants are produced by both orchid pests and happy orchids. To properly rid your orchid of ants and prevent them from coming back, investigate the pest that is attracting them to your plants.

To get rid of ants, use baits and lures, insecticidal soap, washing the outside of the pot, and getting carnivorous plants. Once you have removed the ants, you can repel them to stop them coming.

There are several common reasons why ants crawl on orchids, and many of them can be easily fixed. In this article, gardening expert covers five pro tips to help get rid of ants in your orchids, from examining the plant for entry points to using natural methods to repel remaining ants.

To get rid of ants, first determine where the ants are coming from. If they are coming from outside, treat them with ant bait traps or pesticides specifically designed for ants. A mixture of 50:50 powdered sugar and boric acid may offer reasonable control, but it must be protected from moisture in the growing area and replaced frequently. Mix 1/2 tsp borax with 1/2 tsp sugar, drop 2-3 drops of water, and leave close to your plants. Run a strong stream of warm water over the roots and potting medium and wash out as many as possible. Repeat this every few days for a week.

If ants are just living in a pot, take a bucket of warm water and let the ants scramble out of the medium all over the plant. Use safer soap to kill the ants, which usually takes three to four dips.