Remedies against Ants - Orchid Board

Fairorchids · #1 08-20-2019, 02:28 PM

We have a problem with ants in the greenhouse. They have established nests both in pots (on benches as well as hanging), and in stacks of plastic trays.

I have to treat at least 1000 sqft, so I can't work on each plant separately. What are the recommended treatment(s)?

Does anyone know whether Spectracide BUG STOP (Home Barrier) is safe to use around orchids?

Ray · #2 08-20-2019, 04:41 PM

Kim,

Without a doubt, the best ant eradicator I've used is AMDRO Ant Block. It is a granular bait that the ants take back to the nest (or deep in the mound), ultimately killing them all.

I have never seen it do any plant damage in the yard, but in the greenhouse, I put a teaspoon here and there on the benches rather than in the pots.

fooferdoggie · #3 08-20-2019, 04:55 PM

terro works great. they have several different bait holders. https://www.amazon.com/Terro-1806-Ou...gateway&sr=8-5

fishmom · #4 08-20-2019, 05:09 PM

I too have had good luck with placing Terro on the benches outside, but not in a greenhouse and not sprinkled in pots. I have gone so far as to put containers of bait laying on top of the medium in a pot, though.

fooferdoggie · #5 08-20-2019, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishmom

I too have had good luck with placing Terro on the benches outside, but not in a greenhouse and not sprinkled in pots. I have gone so far as to put containers of bait laying on top of the medium in a pot, though.

I only use the liquid traps in the house mostly. I like the outside ones they last a lot longer.

Fairorchids · #6 08-25-2019, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

We have a problem with ants in the greenhouse. They have established nests both in pots (on benches as well as hanging), and in stacks of plastic trays.

I have to treat at least 1000 sqft, so I can't work on each plant separately. What are the recommended treatment(s)?

Does anyone know whether Spectracide BUG STOP (Home Barrier) is safe to use around orchids?

Spectracide (manufacturer) reports that BUG STOP (Home Barrier) is safe to use around, but not ON, orchids.

Orchid Whisperer · #7 08-25-2019, 03:32 PM

Terro baits work using sugar as the "lure" and borax as the "kill"

You can easily make your own version bait. I did this earlier today, treating ants in the house.

Mix 3 parts sugar to 1 part laundry borax (such as 20 mule team brand). Mix dry ingredients well. I just put everything in a glass jar and shake. Be sure to label the jar with something like "borax ant killer".

You need something to put the bait on. Plastic lids from just about anything work well.

You don't need much per bait station. 1/4 tsp of the dry mix, place it on the lid. Drop a few drops of water on this (about 1/8 to teaspoon), enough to make a runny paste when mixed with a toothpick.

The ants will flock to this bait quickly. You will see a lot of ants and initially you will think you have made the problem worse. After a few hours you will see a big drop in the number of ants, and ants usually take the treat back to the queen ant. After a couple days, no ants at all. The same baits will also kill roaches. When you no longer need the baits (lids), just wash them off and you can use them again, in case there are eggs waiting to hatch somewhere.

As with any bait or poison, keep away from children or pets.

This is an easy, low cost solution. The borax can safely be washed down the household drain. There is no pesticide residue. If some borax accidentally gets into a plant, just flush through with water. The boron in the borax is actually a plant micronutrient, so trace amounts left behind will not harm your plants.