How do you get rid of ants? - Orchid Board

puddin · #1 06-12-2007, 07:28 PM

I just watered one of my orchids, and all of these ants appeared. They somehow got into the house and moved in, for I grow my plants on shelves with lights over them IN THE HOUSE. I need them out, what is an easy way of getting rid of them? I have some ideas, but they aren't very good. I would like something without chemicals, because I have 3 cats, and anything that goes in the ground gets into our well water. Thanks!

gerneveyn · #2 06-12-2007, 07:59 PM

Orange Guard is a good pesticide that is safe to use around pets, children, and food. Here's a link to stores that carry it: Where To Buy Orange Guard

Vanessa · #3 06-12-2007, 08:01 PM

Yes, I agree. Orange Guard is a life saver.

Dorothy · #4 06-12-2007, 08:06 PM

White vinegar in a spray bottle
cucumber peels
Anti ant plants - peppermint, spearmint, oregano, bay leaf, garlic, pennyroyal
or a combination of eucalyptus leaves(you can get at a flower shop) and whole cloves (supermarket spice section) or
a sprinkle of cinnamon or black pepper or red pepper flakes or cayenne

Mix orange or grapefruit juice, water and liquid soap together (equal parts) and spray the area.

Make a syrup of 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons borax. Cook until smooth and well blended. Let cool. Put in old jar lids where you see the ants coming in (near windows/doors). They bring it back to their nests .. it makes them very thristy and when they drink water they explode .. same effect happens with cornmeal

Ants won't step on or over powdered charcoal, bone meal, talcum powder or chalk..

Good luck

Ross · #5 06-12-2007, 08:18 PM

I use Terro (an organic ant control). It is fool proof, safe, and has never failed me at home or at the office (when I was working) Liquid Ant Bait

Tindomul · #6 06-12-2007, 08:21 PM

Why not just flood them out? You could submerse the pot for a few minutes and then let it dry. Surely after a few attempts the ants will either be dead, or have had enough. Most importantly, get rid of the Queen. If the colony is not in the pot, then chemical warfare is in order.

Lagoon · #7 06-12-2007, 09:26 PM

They hate caffeine!! Mix up or brew cup of coffee or tea (coffee is better it has more caffeine) pur into 1 liter of water and drench the pot. Do this every few days, by the 3rd time they ALL should be gone!

I've used this for years - It works!

puddin · #8 06-12-2007, 10:03 PM

Thanks guys! I some garlic and Orange Guard on it, the pour water over it after a few minutes. I hope it will last the night outside and with water on it. If the ants come out, I don't have to worry about them moving to a different part of the house, or worst, another orchid.

puddin · #9 06-14-2007, 12:53 AM

Their GONE! The orchid smells of garlic though. That means the ants won't come back! The plant is back inside, so I'm not worrying about the temp. or if the sun is hitting it.
Thanks again!

Charles · #10 06-14-2007, 07:17 AM

The terro will attract them again, but kill them off. Put it around your house or apt away from areas you don't want ants. The main ingredient is Boric Acid. This is non toxic and forms crystals inside the insect, damaging their internal organs.
But I'm glad they are gone. However, proper ID of the ant and where you live is of great importance. Depending on these things, you may have forced the colony to split and soon you might have two larger more diverse problems.
What did the ant look like? What size, color are they? Where do you live? Be careful with the really smallish red or black ones. They don't go away, they divide, move and adapt to some treatments. This can give temporary relief with a bad result in a few weeks. More colonies.

Former pest terminator (think Ahhnald) advice.