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Ants on My orchids: should I worry?

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by Dave The Scientist, Aug 24, 2016.

  1. Aug 24, 2016 #1
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    I have been growing outside this summer on my deck, which overall has been a great success although it did seem to be the straw that broke the camel's back for several plants that were already struggling and now have gone to the great compost heap in the sky. One issue I have been noticing is ants seem to love my orchids. They don't seem to be eating the orchids or farming scale or aphids on them, but rather just appear to walk around on the plants and media and collect what I assume is extra floral nectar. I know many orchids have mutualism with ants in the wild and I was wondering if I should be at all worried about them and if so, how to deal with the problem. My biggest worry now is that I'll track them in when I bring the plants inside for the winter. Thoughts? Maybe our new member Frog Eater can shed some light on the subject.
     
  2. Aug 24, 2016 #2
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    They'll also nest in the potting medium, resulting in a population boom once they're inside. I'd encourage them to find other accommodations. Fortunately, landlord-tenant law doesn't apply to ants (only aunts).

    'Course, if you keep dendrobatids, they might find the ants delectable.

    All-in-all, I'd rather have ants than squirrels.
     
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  3. Aug 25, 2016 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Ant nests in your pots does not encourage healthy plants. I find that Terro (brand name) powder works wonders. Many hardware and garden stores carry it. Just sprinkle a little (a dusting, not a coating) on top of the medium and they will be gone. Drenching with Sevin/carbaryl will get rid of them temporarily, but they will come back after a time.

    Carl, I don't have squirrels here, but, as they say, I feel your pain.
     
  4. Aug 25, 2016 #4
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    Sometimes I feel like Bill Murray in Caddyshack.
     
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  5. Aug 25, 2016 #5
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    :D:D You really don't like squirrels, do you!:D:D
    Do they eat your orchids?
    I have grey squirrels in the trees but they don't get in my greenhouse. I have, however, had wood rats in the gh in the past and they certainly eat the plants and clip off parts for nesting material.
     
  6. Aug 25, 2016 #6
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    Squirrels have: Eaten my plants down to the p-bulbs, pushed them off the shelves, breaking the plant, excavated them right out of the pots, and that's just the orchids, let alone the rest of the garden and so on. Then, they got into the garage one winter, chewed everything into shreds (including a gasoline can!), and left their metabolic products all over.

    They also tend to electrocute themselves on the transformers on the power poles. I'm of two minds on that one ;)

    So, yeah; little gray terrorists of the suburbs.
     
  7. Aug 25, 2016 #7
    rico

    rico Active Member

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    Carl I know EXACTLY how you feel! A few years ago I went on vacation and when I came back home I discovered that something, (probably a squirrel) had just eaten my brand new Dendrobium cuthbertsonii leaving just the roots! The squirrels have also had numerous babies which love to mess around in the plants' pots, as do the adults. I've also had my fair share of things getting knocked over as a result of their acrobatic antics.
     
  8. Aug 25, 2016 #8
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    I'm starting a new thread for this subject - "Hate on squirrels" in this topic
     
  9. Aug 25, 2016 #9
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    Marni, do you know if Terro is pet safe? I grow on my deck where my roommates' dogs hang out. Although they are all raised up out of their reach so if I hoses off the deck after, it would probably be fine.
     
  10. Aug 25, 2016 #10
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    I looked into it and it appears Terro is basically borax and should be pet safe
     
  11. Aug 25, 2016 #11
    carl

    carl Active Member

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  12. Aug 25, 2016 #12
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    The ant bait by Terro is borax, but the spray and dust are something else. It doesn't have a bait in the powder or spray and my cat certainly isn't interested in it.
     
  13. Aug 29, 2016 #13
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    I think the powder might just be diatomeous earth actually. It certainly looks like it.
     
  14. Aug 29, 2016 #14
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    Whatever it is, it seems to be working. I didn't put much on the actually potting media but I spread it all around the growing area and I haven't seen any ants since.