Why are ants in my orchid plant? - Ask Extension
I was given an orchid for Mothers Day, and I've been pleased that it has been surviving well in my home. But we live in an old home and have problems...
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Why are ants in my orchid plant? #880092
Asked August 04, 2024, 3:21 AM EDT
I was given an orchid for Mothers Day, and I've been pleased that it has been surviving well in my home. But we live in an old home and have problems with ants. They have decided to take up residence in my new orchid. I hate to throw it out but what can I do to combat this problem??
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Dahlia,
Thank you for contacting us about the ants in your orchid. Ants do not harm plants, but they are often attracted to honeydew left by other insects. Honeydew is a sweet, sticky substance that indicates an infestation of aphids, mealybugs, scales, or whiteflies.
First, isolate your orchid so that pests do not infect your other plants. Then check the orchid thoroughly for signs of pests including the undersides of the leaves. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to wipe the insects off the plant. In the case of hard scale insects, spraying with Neem oil often suffocates them.
Next, flush the potting medium to get rid of the ants. Run a strong stream of warm water over the roots and potting medium. Repeat this every few days for a week. The ants may attempt to move elsewhere, so place bait traps where they trail. You can make your own with a 50:50 mix of powdered sugar and boric acid or Borax. (I have also had success using honey in lieu of the sugar.)
This article from the American Orchid Society may also be helpful:
https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/orchid-pests-and-diseases/ants
As with most problems, prevention is the best control. Always inspect new plants for any signs of pests and isolate them for a while before placing them with other plants.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
Thank you for contacting us about the ants in your orchid. Ants do not harm plants, but they are often attracted to honeydew left by other insects. Honeydew is a sweet, sticky substance that indicates an infestation of aphids, mealybugs, scales, or whiteflies.
First, isolate your orchid so that pests do not infect your other plants. Then check the orchid thoroughly for signs of pests including the undersides of the leaves. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to wipe the insects off the plant. In the case of hard scale insects, spraying with Neem oil often suffocates them.
Next, flush the potting medium to get rid of the ants. Run a strong stream of warm water over the roots and potting medium. Repeat this every few days for a week. The ants may attempt to move elsewhere, so place bait traps where they trail. You can make your own with a 50:50 mix of powdered sugar and boric acid or Borax. (I have also had success using honey in lieu of the sugar.)
This article from the American Orchid Society may also be helpful:
https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/orchid-pests-and-diseases/ants
As with most problems, prevention is the best control. Always inspect new plants for any signs of pests and isolate them for a while before placing them with other plants.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
