Citronella ants - Ask Extension
We have an infestation of citronella ants in our greenhouse. How do we get rid of them?
Knowledgebase
Citronella ants #838730
Asked July 02, 2023, 9:19 PM EDT
We have an infestation of citronella ants in our greenhouse. How do we get rid of them?
Custer County Colorado
Expert Response
This is a nuisance ant, not known for stinging or biting. If this is your first citronella ant problem it likely is associated with our unusually moist spring and early summer. Swarms are temporary so one option is to just wait them out. A second option is to locate where they are entering your greenhouse and treat the exterior of that location with an approved insecticide. Option three is to locate the nest(s) (typically having mounds of soil around the openings) and apply some insecticide into the colony. Finally, these ants are associated with moist soil. If there is an area near the greenhouse with long-term moisture issues and the ants are more than a one-time occurrence , you might consider mitigating that problem.
This has been an ongoing problem in our greenhouse for the past 3 years and the citronella ants keep multiplying. Which insecticide do you recommend? We have tried all sorts of ant baits, tried pouring bleach or hot water down the holes, and covering our soil with cayenne pepper. Since we have crops growing in the greenhouse we are cautious with insecticide use. Renee Bennett
On Jul 6, 2023, at 9:31 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Since the problem is on-going, you might look into mitigating areas of consistently moist soil.
I haven't seen ant baits recommended for this species. Regarding insecticides, look for one approved for treating building exteriors. It likely will also be approved for treating soil so you can use it on the nests (lots of water). I don't think you need to (or should) use insecticides inside the greenhouse.
Being retired, I don't keep up on specific insecticide products. Just check the labels to find one that allows the uses I've suggested.
It might be helpful to spend some time seeing how and where the ants are entering. This could suggest areas that could be sealed up and also help target the insecticide application.
I haven't seen ant baits recommended for this species. Regarding insecticides, look for one approved for treating building exteriors. It likely will also be approved for treating soil so you can use it on the nests (lots of water). I don't think you need to (or should) use insecticides inside the greenhouse.
Being retired, I don't keep up on specific insecticide products. Just check the labels to find one that allows the uses I've suggested.
It might be helpful to spend some time seeing how and where the ants are entering. This could suggest areas that could be sealed up and also help target the insecticide application.
