Crazy ants?

[peeweelovesbooks]

Evidently I have some crazy ants in 2 of my plants. Questions: what can I do to get rid of them?

2) if I put cedar sawdust in little satchet bags and place them around the plants, will this get rid of the ants?

3) if not, then what can I do. Hopefully something not too toxic?


Thanks.


annoyed Maria.

[james mickelso]

I use Bayer 3 in 1 insect spray. A little spritz on the surface of the plant will get rid of them. I get them in my cyms and just a little spray and they don't come up for air. Cedar bags and other folk remedies seldom work. I have even tried to drown them but they can hold their breath longer than the orchid. Just get some spray and be done with them.

[Phalchid]

It happened to a couple of my phals in the spring. Thousands of ants surfaced when I watered the plants. I pulled the plants out of the medium and hosed them down until every ant was swept away. I'm lucky the plants are thriving now. But I'll definitely give Bayer 3in1 a try before doing anything drastic next time. I'm so glad I joined the forum. You guys are great orchid gurus!

[Leafmite]

I haven't had to soak orchids but I have soaked other plants for a few hours/overnight and ant activity does cease. I can't use systemic or toxic sprays on my indoor herbs, citrus, and other edibles so for these, I look for non-toxic alternatives (the other plants get the bayer rose systemic 3-in-one). I am into growing herbs and have tested many rumored to repel insects. The only one that I have found effective at discouraging bugs is a type of artemisia or 'wormwood' I grow (there are many). A few fresh leaves placed on top of a pot sends the ants scrambling. I haven't had ants moving into my orchids since I switched to lava rock and net pots but if I don't use the artemisia, the ants visit the plants.
In the winter, when the outdoor herbs are dormant, I use a combination of the soaking method, terro traps, and the systemic (on potted plants that are only ornamental). The most effective poison I have found for bugs is Sevin. It is toxic so should be used minimally and with care (on our fruit trees, it causes fruit drop--not certain if orchids are affected in any way). Good luck!