Need to rid greenhouse of ants

[RHF]

Normally, I would live and let live, but I have small ants (I think they are called sugar ants locally) that actively move soft brown scale (which unlike ants is a kill on sight species) from plant to plant. They ignore typical ant traps. Any ideas on how I can get rid of these pests?

Thanks,

RHF

[Subrosa]

They like sweet stuff. Poison some jelly and use that as bait.

[vjo]

I just put some used coffee grounds on top of the potting mix and water it in, boy do they come out fast and don't return. It is probably best to do this outside. Don't worry ,the coffee grounds won't hurt the plants....Jean

[Cym Ladye]

Visit the search icon on the Forum Menu and type in "Ants". There are 19 discussions on the Pests and Diseases forum alone. Every orchid grower I know runs into the problem at one time or another! Lots and lots of different remedies, some non-toxic and some chemical. Take your choice!

Cym Ladye

---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Subrosa

They like sweet stuff. Poison some jelly and use that as bait.

Only if you do not have dogs or cats!

[Leafmite]

If you know anyone who grows herbs, see if they have Wormwood (artemisia) as I have found ants really hate the fresh leaves (and growing plants). I use it to clear pots of ant nests if they avoid the ant bait. Terro works the best for me. These are basically sugar, water and boric acid and the ants really seem to enjoy it...from the number of ant bodies it leaves behind. You put them right in the middle of the ant paths to help the ants find them.
Good luck!

[lepetitmartien]

I'd go coffee grounds, then if it's not enough, the essential oils have applications, including directly where the nest is.

[HighSeas]

Terro works the best for me too. Plus, it's easy. I use it about three or four times a year and just pour it into plastic water bottle caps. I no longer have any ants nesting in my pots.

Prior to that, I used seven dust. A light sprinkle that I gently watered into using just enough water to drive the seven into the pot. Works good but I like the Terro best.

[Daethen]

For sugar ants, I use terro. It will not only kill the visible ants, they take it back to their hills and it kills the whole nest.

[Ray]

Melt about 1/4 pound of candle wax, then slowly stir in about 1/4 cup sugar and 4 ounces boric acid powder (available at your local drug store). When thoroughly mixed, pour into a pan, creating a 1/4" to 1/2" thick slab. Cut or break into chunks, and distribute around the greenhouse.

or...

50/50 confectioners sugar an baking soda

or...

Sprinkle a bunch of NutraSweet around

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Ray

Melt about 1/4 pound of candle wax, then slowly stir in about 1/4 cup sugar and 4 ounces boric acid powder (available at your local drug store). When thoroughly mixed, pour into a pan, creating a 1/4" to 1/2" thick slab. Cut or break into chunks, and distribute around the greenhouse.

or...

50/50 confectioners sugar an baking soda

or...

Sprinkle a bunch of NutraSweet around

I've often said NutraSweet was poison. Nice to find out I'm right!