Many pests of succulents do the plants direct harm; ants are not among them. However, ants can cause indirect harm to succulents by introducing harmful pests like aphids and mealybugs. The ants “farm” these insects and harvest their honeydew to feed their colonies.
Also, why do ants like my succulents?
There can be several reasons why ants are in your succulent soil, but often it is because they are “farming” other insects as a food source. … Pests such as mealy bugs, aphids, and scale love succulents, and ants love the honeydew these pests excrete.
- Step 1: Isolate the affected succulent to keep your other plants safe. …
- Step 2: Place a small, shallow dish of borax-based ant baits (or any food that contains sugar and oil) near the base of the succulent to draw most of the ants away from the succulent, and at the same time, kill them.
Hereof, how do I keep ants out of my potted plants?
Spray it on and around your plant. Soaps containing peppermint oil are particularly effective. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, coffee grounds, or dried mint tea leaves can be scattered around the base of the plant to deter ants too.
How do I keep ants off my succulents?
Move the plant to a different location and/or surround it with a moat (ants can’t swim). Add water to a bowl or other shallow container and, to keep the drain hole above water, set the pot atop rocks or gravel. Be vigilant until the weather cools in October. Ants “farm” other pests for their sweet secretions.
How do I get rid of ants on my plants?
How to Control Ants in Your Garden
- Get rid of aphids and other sap-sucking pests. …
- Distribute artificial sweetener near the ants. …
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper around your plants. …
- Place food-grade diatomaceous earth by trails and nests. …
- Set a borax (or boric acid) and sugar poison trap.
What is eating my succulents at night?
Mice, voles, squirrels and other rodents can eat and even steal your succulents. If you don’t notice anything during the daytime, rodents might be stealing or eating your succulents at night! While it is frustrating when animals bite and steal your succulents, they are just looking for food to eat.
