Alfalfa is a popular forage crop grown around the world to feed livestock. However ants can become a major nuisance in alfalfa fields damaging the plants and reducing yields. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore proven methods to safely and effectively get rid of ants in alfalfa plantings.
Why Ants are a Problem in Alfalfa Fields
There are a few main reasons ants pose issues for alfalfa growers
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They feed on the sap: Ants pierce alfalfa stems and leaves to feed on the nutrient-rich sap. This can stunt growth, create entry points for disease, and weaken the plant.
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They farm aphids: Ants have a symbiotic relationship with aphids and other sap-sucking insects that extract fluids from alfalfa. The ants “farm” these pests, protecting them from predators in exchange for their sugary honeydew secretions.
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They disrupt pollination: Large ant populations can deter or even kill the bees, wasps, and other beneficial insects that pollinate alfalfa flowers. Poor pollination equals lower seed yields.
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They damage roots: Some ant species tunnel into the soil, chewing on alfalfa roots and compromising the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients.
How to Identify Ants in Alfalfa Fields
There are thousands of ant species, but some of the most common pest ants in alfalfa include:
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Argentine ants: Small, light brown ants that form large colonies and farm aphids. Native to South America.
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Pavement ants: Black or brown ants that build nests under stones, often invading from nearby roads or paths.
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Cornfield ants: Large red ants that nest in the ground and feed on plants and insects.
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Field ants: Fast-moving ants that have a reddish head and abdomen with a dark middle section.
Look for visible ant trails on the ground or climbing alfalfa stems. Check for clusters of aphids being actively tended by ants. Also scout for signs of ant nests, like small piles of soil near plant bases.
Natural Methods to Control Ants in Alfalfa
For mild ant infestations, natural and home remedies can provide adequate control:
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Diatomaceous earth (DE): This powder made from crushed fossils cuts and dehydrates ants. Dust it around nests and ant trails.
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Boiling water: Pour boiling water directly into visible nest entrances to kill ants deep in the tunnels.
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Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon repels ants with its strong scent and taste. Focus on trails and at base of plants.
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Citrus peels: Place fresh citrus peels around plants as a barrier. The oils deter ants.
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Vinegar: Spray full-strength vinegar on trails, plants, and other surfaces to disrupt pheromone trails.
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Molasses: Coat cotton balls with molasses and place near nests. Ants are attracted to the sweetness but get stuck.
Chemical Methods for Controlling Ants in Alfalfa
For heavy infestations, chemical control options may be necessary. Always follow label directions exactly:
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Granular baits: Scatter ant bait near mounds and along trails. Workers carry the pesticide back to the colony, wiping it out.
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Liquid baits: These contain boric acid or other insecticidal ingredients mixed with sugary attractants. Place them near plants.
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Dusts: Insecticide dusts containing permethrin, deltamethrin or other chemicals can be lightly sprinkled around nest entrances.
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Sprays: General ant spray concentrates can tackle ants on contact. Spot treat only infested areas.
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Drenches: Mix liquid insecticides to saturate big nests, pouring directly into the mound. This kills the queen(s) and colony.
Cultural & Preventive Methods for Ant Control
Along with direct control methods, good management practices can help reduce ant problems:
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Remove debris piles, boards, or anything else that gives ants nesting sites near fields.
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Control weeds that attract honeydew-producing insects.
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Rotate alfalfa fields to new locations to disrupt ant colonies.
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Consider flooding fields for short periods to deter ants.
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Maintain proper soil fertility and watering to promote vigorous, healthy alfalfa plants.
When to Take Action Against Ants
Scout alfalfa plantings at least weekly during the growing season. Take action when:
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Visible ant trails extend 30 feet or more.
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Five or more ants per plant are observed.
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Tunnels are forming at plant bases.
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Aphid colonies numbering 25+ per stem are seen.
Catching issues early maximizes control success and prevents expanding ant colonies from causing major crop damage.
Left unchecked, ants can significantly hinder alfalfa growth and productivity. But armed with the right combination of preventive measures, natural remedies, and targeted insecticide applications when necessary, alfalfa growers can protect their fields from these pervasive pests. Pay close attention for signs of ants, identify any infestations promptly, and take action before ants get out of control. With smart integrated pest management, your alfalfa can thrive ant-free.
StepsMethod
- Question Will using a vinegar and water solution hurt a potted plant? Andrew Carberry, MPH Food Systems Expert Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee. Andrew Carberry, MPH Food Systems Expert Expert Answer Yes. Vinegar is highly acidic, so this would change the pH of your soil and could kill your plant.
- Question Can a mixture of cinnamon and tumeric powder kill ants and aphids in potted plants?
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Cinnamon and turmeric powder are great repellents for soil-based pests, but they wont kill pests, or deter pests on the plant itself. Use a an essential oil spray, like peppermint, to deter pests above the soil. - Question I have a strawberry plant in an old wheelbarrow, the ants have moved in and I believe are eating the strawberries. How can I get rid of the ants without hurting or poisoning the fruit? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Spray some diluted liquid permethrin insecticide on the berries, or set stick baits in the soil. For more natural methods, spray the berries with peppermint essential oil, or mix coffee grounds into the soil
- Ants in potted plants is usually indicative of other pest problems, like aphids or mites. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
- If your an problem persists, call a professional exterminator—the issue may be larger than just your potted plants. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
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Ants usually arent harmful to potted plants, but you can still remove them by placing bait traps on the floor around your plants. Replace the bait traps every few days until you dont see ants anymore. Another solution is to cover the topsoil of your plants with a thin layer of diatomaceous earth, which is an organic insecticide. This will kill any ants on your houseplants, and its completely plant-safe. To make an ant repellent, squeeze some citrus juice over your plants. Ants dont like the smell of citrus, so the citrus juice will help keep them away. Cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, or coffee grounds sprinkled around the base of your plants will also deter ants. You can also place your plants on a ledge or in hanging pots so theyre more difficult for ants to reach. To learn how to get rid of pests with baits, keep reading!
Ants on your plants? It may indicate a bigger problem.
FAQ
How do I get rid of ants on my plants without killing the plant?
How do I get rid of an ant infestation on my plant?
What can I spray on plants to kill ants?
How do you keep ants away from plants?
To protect plants, simply sprinkle cinnamon around the base of the plant. For large flowerbed or garden spaces, sprinkle it all throughout the garden area. You can also sprinkle it around the entire perimeter of bed spaces to keep ants from crossing into the space. For extremely bad infestations, mix the cinnamon directly into the soil.
Does cornmeal kill ants?
Sprinkle cornmeal around your plants. Cornmeal is another natural ant killer that’s safe for humans and plants alike. Sprinkle it around the base of your plants or anywhere else you’ve seen ants crawling around. The cornmeal will kill the ants when they eat it. 4. Use diatomaceous earth.
How to kill ants in garden soil?
However, be aware that there is a lot more beneath the surface. You can place a solution of borax powder and artificial sweetener on the soil. Both of these substances are deadly to ants, but they are harmless for pets and humans in small quantities. This is one of the more popular natural methods of how to kill ants in garden soil.
Can you get rid of ants without harming plants?
If you have a garden, getting rid of ants can be extra challenging because you don’t want to use pesticides that will harm your plants. Ants can quickly ruin your garden or home if left untreated. But what do you do if you want to get rid of the ants without harming the plants?