Ants !!!!!

[Mervin]

Just realized that there are ants in quite a few of my phals !
They are in the moss and fern bark !
I am sure there is a nest somewhere in the moss or fern bark.

Is this detrimental to the health of my phals ?

Thanks

[cattleyacatlady]

I also have ants in a lot of mine, they remain stationary on the new growths of the cattleyas and drink the droplets that form on them. I think they may be beneficial because they keep other pests off of the leaves. I usually just flush with lots of water before bringing them in for the winter, and I haven't had any problems with them.

[Lady_Vamp]

Here are two threads that will be helpful

ANTS!!??!!??

Help i have ants in my pots

[Cym Ladye]

Ants are NOT BENEFICIAL to orchids. They track bacterial and fungal infections to the plants on their dirty little feet and they are very efficient little farmers of pests which do harm to orchids.

The best way I have found to eliminate them is fairly simple. Buy an insecticide powder specific to black and red fire ants (usually will get sow and pill bugs too). Sprinkle some on a piece of newspaper outside, sprinkle some in the top of the plant, bounce the plant on the paper and walk away. Return in 15 minutes and repeat the bounce. Do this several more times and then leave the plant on the paper overnight. On the next day make one more bounce and you will find the ants should be gone.

Return the plant to its bench, wrap up the newspaper and dispose of it. I leave the powder on the top of the plant until the next watering when it gets washed in. Causes no problem on any genera in my experience.

In addition, you might want to find where the little critters are coming in and powder the trail.

CL

[cattleyacatlady]

Definitely will do, what's the best ant powder to use? We get lots of other things around the orchids like lizards and praying mantis too.

[Cym Ladye]

<<Buy an insecticide powder specific to black and red fire ants (usually will get sow and pill bugs too).>>

There are several brands in your nurseries and box stores. Ortho makes a powder specifically for these pests.

You should be containing this product to the plant and the paper on a very short term basis. If you have concerns, flush the powder into the pot before placing the plant back where it usually lives.

CL

[Eyebabe]

Pyrethrin spray also works for ants.

I concur they need to go.

[Mervin]

Thanks mate for all your input !

Cheers!

[Merlyn]

I use Orange Guard. Spray the entire plant, soaking the media until it runs out, wait ten minutes and flush out ALL the tiny corpses !!! Not cheap but harmless to even buds and eco friendly !

[JungleWriter]

For a non-toxic control of ants use diatomaceous earth. It is made of tiny sea plants (diatoms) which have a silicon shell. The dust absorbs components of the ants' exoskeleton, causing them to dry out. It won't harm plants or other animals (but don't breathe the dust). Also it is only effective when it is dry, so apply only when the medium isn't damp. It's not expensive and should be available in most garden stores or online.