kill ants

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

Ortho powder is boric acid, which can harm orchids. I make my own baits by mixing boric acid, syrup and a nut butter, liberally dusted with more boric acid, and leave them on plastic lids on my plant shelves.

Ants don't farm aphids on my plants, but they do pollinate flowers, so I end up with much shorter-lived blooms than I should. They're not the worst pest to have, but they're still a pest.

I am confused by your statement that Boric acid harms orchids and then saying you make your own bait by using the same ingredient? I have used the Ortho Ant Be Gone powder for over 25 years on my orchids with no ill effects. Boric acid, by the way, is not listed as an ingredient, at least on the can. Ortho makes lots of products. Perhaps you are thinking of another?

[ALToronto]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

I am confused by your statement that Boric acid harms orchids and then saying you make your own bait by using the same ingredient? I have used the Ortho Ant Be Gone powder for over 25 years on my orchids with no ill effects. Boric acid, by the way, is not listed as an ingredient, at least on the can. Ortho makes lots of products. Perhaps you are thinking of another?

Another poster mentioned placing Ortho powder directly in orchid pots - this would be harmful to orchids. Otherwise, boric acid (or borax, which contains it) is perfectly safe to handle, and does no damage to orchids if placed beside their pots on the windowsill. Hope this clears it up.

[Wolfrott]

I swear by Ant Rid baits.

Also; keep the pot in a dish of water, then the ants will avoid the place as they can't swim.