Last Updated on July 30, 2022 by Guillermina
OMG, there are ants in my succulents! Keep reading and learn the best methods to solve this problem.
A succulent is a plant characterized by thick, fleshy stems and leaves that store water. These plants, unfortunately, can from time to time become infected with ants, aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Ants in my succulents are intruders who are not welcome, but perhaps worst of all, they tend to come back to your plant even after you get rid of them! What a frustration! Therefore let us help you and show you some solutions to this problem.
Where Do Ants In My Succulents Come From?
When I first saw ants in my succulents, I was terrified; however, I soon realized it wasn’t the end of the world. One ant may mean nothing, but an entire ant parade can mean trouble. If you notice that they are moving towards your plant, we advise you to check for any signs of pest infestation as soon as possible. A quick reaction can help you a lot because you can avoid various negative consequences.
Namely, the problem is not only in ants as in animals but in the fact that they usually mean that your succulent is attacked by powdery mildew or aphids. Did you know that these tiny insects produce some sweet and nutritious honey-like substances called honeydew? Honeydew is extremely attractive to ants; moreover, they love to farm it to feed their colonies.
How To Get Rid Of Ants In My Succulents?
If you’ve ever uttered “OMG, there are ants in my succulents”, let us offer you the simplest solutions that guarantee success. Find out more details below.
Step No. 1
The first thing you can do is isolate the affected succulents to keep them away from healthy, unaffected plants. Then conduct a thorough examination of this plant to determine if the ants are harvesting food from other pests, specifically aphids and/or mealybugs. Pay special attention to the crevices of the leaves or inside the rosettes of the succulent, as these are their favorite hiding places.
Step No. 2
Once you have finished inspecting the plant, place a small, shallow dish of borax-based ant baits near the base of the succulent. In addition, feel free to use any other type of food that contains sugar and oil.
A dish with this mixture placed this way (at the base of the plant) will draw most of the ants away from the succulent and very likely kill them.
Step No. 3
Once you notice that you have got rid of a good portion of the ants, all you have to do is thoroughly wash the ones that are left. You can achieve this with one of the two most popular methods:
- by using a steady stream of water from a garden hose,
- by immersing your succulent in a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons insecticidal soap to 1 quart water.
This second method is great for removing all the ants that have hidden somewhere in the ground. Once you are done, you need to eliminate all the ants you can find on each plant’s leaves and stems.
Furthermore, we must note that the above methods apply only to milder infestations. In case things get too serious, experts recommend discarding the old, infested soil through repotting. This is a great method for several reasons because, in addition to eliminating ants, you will give the plant fresh, new soil.
* Remember to wear gloves before unpotting your succulents.* It is also advisable to remove ants from the roots of your “lucky” plant with water until they are gone.
Step No. 4
When you are done with the above steps, the next thing you need to do is remove the ants’ food source from your plant, more specifically aphids or mealybugs, and their honeydew. To perform this step, all you need to do is wipe the plant with a soapy sponge and then thoroughly spray it with 70% isopropyl alcohol. These two steps proved to be an extremely successful method of removing ants from succulents.
Now that you have read this article you know how to help your acquaintances when you hear the sentence “OMG, I noticed ants in my succulents yesterday! What should I do?”
To Conclude: What To Do When I See Ants In My Succulents?
Once you notice ants in your succulents you can use a variety of means, some of which are harmful to humans and pets, while others are not. All you have to do is take out the succulents carefully, clean their roots and if possible wash them with water. You can also wipe the plant with a soapy sponge and then thoroughly spray it with 70% isopropyl alcohol. – Try to find the method that suits you best.
Have you ever had ants in your succulents and how did you solve that problem? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Read more: Are Eggshells Good For Succulents?
FAQ’s
How Do I Get Rid Of Ants In My Aloe Plant?
Among the most effective methods for removing ants from the aloe vera plant is the combination of bait and the use of insecticidal soap. All you have to do is get the bait and then place it along all the paths that are leading away from the plant. In just a few hours you should trap all the ants.
Are Ants Good For Potted Plants?
If you notice that ants have fallen in love with your potted plant and that they visit it often, you don’t need to panic. Did you know that they don’t always mean something bad? Moreover, they improve soil structure, helping plants grow better.
Why Are My Plants Covered In Ants?
One of the most common reasons why ants visit your plant is honeydew, a nutritious honey-like substance that remains as a trail behind powdery mildew or aphids.
How Do I Get Rid Of Ants On My Succulents?
All you have to do is take out the succulents carefully, clean their roots and if possible wash them with water, or wipe the plant with a soapy sponge and then thoroughly spray it with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
