Downy Mildew: This fungus causes whitish grey patches on the undersides and eventually both sides of the leaves. Burpee Recommends: Rotate crops with plants in a different family. Avoid overhead watering. Provide adequate air circulation, do not overcrowd plants. Do not work around plants when they are wet.
Edema (Oedema): Leaves become distorted due to excess moisture in the soil. Plants absorb more water than they can use. Burpee Recommends: Do not overwater plants, keep the soil moist but not wet. If drainage is poor add compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Powdery Mildew: This fungus disease occurs on the top of the leaves in humid weather conditions. The leaves appear to have a whitish or greyish surface and may curl. Burpee Recommends: Avoid powdery mildew by providing good air circulation for the plants by good spacing and pruning. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations.
Root Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worm-like pests that cause swellings (galls) to form on roots. Plants may wilt or appear stunted. This is a serious problem in many Southern states. Burpee Recommends: Do not plant into infested soil. Grow resistant varieties. Try planting ‘Nema-Gone’ marigolds around your plants.
Finding ants crawling on your beloved balsam plant can be annoying and concerning. These tiny insects may not seem like a big deal at first but their presence indicates an underlying pest issue that could seriously damage your plant if left unchecked.
The good news is that with the right techniques, you can safely and effectively eliminate ants from your balsam plant In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various natural, chemical, and preventative methods to help you kick ants off your balsam plant for good.
Why Are Ants on My Balsam Plant?
Ants are attracted to the sweet secretions produced by common balsam plant pests like aphids, scales, and mealybugs. These sap-sucking bugs pierce plant tissues and feed on the sap, causing deformities, wilting, yellowing, and plant death if infestations become severe.
As they feed, they excrete sugar-rich “honeydew” which ants love In return, ants will “farm” these pests, protecting them from predators and moving them around to feed more. This symbiotic relationship allows both ants and pests to thrive at the expense of your plant’s health.
Getting rid of ants is the first step in addressing the underlying infestation. Once ants are gone, beneficial predators can help control remaining pests and restore your plant’s vitality.
Natural Ways to Remove Ants from Balsam Plants
For mild ant invasions, home remedies are often sufficient to eliminate them without harming your plant or the environment. Here are some of the most effective DIY solutions:
Use Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds repel ants thanks to their strong scent. Simply sprinkle fresh grounds around the base of your balsam plant. The coarse texture also makes it tough for ants to cross. Reapply after watering or rain washes away the grounds.
Spray Lemon Juice, Orange Peels, or Vinegar
Ants hate strong citrus scents. Either pure lemon juice, vinegar, or a water solution containing orange peels or lemon juice can be poured or sprayed onto ant trails and other affected areas. These solutions break up ant pheromone trails, disorienting them. Reapply frequently for lasting results.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
This powder of natural fossilized remains is very fine and abrasive. Sprinkle around your plant base, ant trails, and other infested spots. The sharp particles damage ants’ exoskeletons and cause dehydration. Over time, populations will diminish without harming your plant.
Use Chalk or Talcum Powder
Chalk and talc powders disrupt ant scent trails and stick to their bodies, discouraging infestations. Simply dust along trails, nest entry points, and areas where they’re gathering. These powders are completely non-toxic to plants. Reapply after rain or watering.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Spraying liquid insecticidal soap directly onto ants and at nest entry points will quickly kill them on contact. The soap disrupts cell membranes and interferes with ants’ waxy outer coating, leading to dehydration. Avoid plant leaves to prevent leaf burn.
Chemical Ant Treatments for Balsam Plants
For moderate or severe infestations, chemical ant killers are very effective for eradicating ants while limiting harm to your balsam plant. Only use pesticides made specifically for ornamentals or indoor plants. Here are some top options:
Ant Baits
Baits contain slow-acting poison mixed with attractive food. Foraging worker ants bring small doses back to share, eventually poisoning the entire colony. Place baits near plants, not directly touching. Look for baits containing hydramethylnon, avermectin, or boric acid.
Residual Sprays
Liquid pesticides are sprayed onto infested areas, leaving behind a temporary chemical barrier fatal to ants. Products with synthetic pyrethroids like lambda-cyhalothrin provide fast knockdown and residual activity. Avoid plant leaves and only spray soil, containers, or non-living areas.
Systemic Drenches
Systemics are absorbed by plant roots and make the plant toxic to feeding pests. The imidacloprid will move through the tissues for 1-2 months. While very effective, take care not to overapply. Always follow label directions carefully.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
IGRs like pyriproxyfen disrupt the growth and development of immature ants, eventually causing a collapse of the colony. However, IGRs may take several weeks to reach full effect. Combine with baits or sprays for best control.
When using any chemical treatment, be sure to carefully follow all label instructions for proper mixing, application, and disposal. Only apply what’s needed, and never dump extra down drains. Monitor plants to ensure pests are eliminated before reapplying more pesticides.
Preventing Future Ant Invasions on Balsam Plants
Along with active control methods, a bit of prevention goes a long way in keeping ants away for good:
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Remove any food spills, trash, or debris near plants that may attract ants.
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Prune away any dead or damaged foliage, stems, and blooms where ants could hide.
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Ensure plants are healthy and well cared for to withstand and repel pests.
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Allow soil or potting mix to dry slightly between waterings so it’s less hospitable to ants.
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Apply a 2-4 inch mulch barrier around outdoor plant beds to discourage ants.
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Use sticky tape or inverted pots in stands to block access points into potted plants.
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Introduce beneficial nematodes and predatory mites to naturally control ant populations.
With persistence and an integrated pest management approach, you can rid your balsam plant of ants and keep them away for good. The key is addressing the underlying pest infestations ants are protecting so they have no food source. Combine preventative measures with multiple control methods for lasting, effective relief.
Frequency of Entities:
how to get rid of ants on balsam plant: 10
coffee grounds: 2
lemon juice: 1
orange peels: 1
vinegar: 1
diatomaceous earth: 2
chalk: 1
talcum powder: 1
insecticidal soap: 1
ant baits: 1
residual sprays: 1
systemic drenches: 1
insect growth regulators: 1
pruning: 1
removing food sources: 1
allowing soil to dry between waterings: 1
mulch barrier: 1
sticky tape: 1
inverted pots: 1
beneficial nematodes: 1
predatory mites: 1
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Sowing Directly in the Garden:
- Direct sow seeds in average soil in full sun to part shade after all danger of frost.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and working organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.
- Sow seeds thinly and evenly and cover with ¼ inches of fine soil.
- Firm soil lightly with your hand, water and keep evenly moist.
- Seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days.
- Thin to about 18 inches apart when seedlings are 2 inches tall.
- Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
- Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
- Balsam loves heat, and plenty of water.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
- Remove plants after they are killed by frost in fall to avoid disease issues the following year.
- Beautiful in mixed borders or shaded beds.
- Makes a nice temporary ground cover.
- Plant in drifts and let fill in, or use them as edging plants along walkways, terraces, or at the front of a bed or border.
- Some gardeners remove some leaves so it is easier to see the flowers.
Downy Mildew: This fungus causes whitish grey patches on the undersides and eventually both sides of the leaves. Burpee Recommends: Rotate crops with plants in a different family. Avoid overhead watering. Provide adequate air circulation, do not overcrowd plants. Do not work around plants when they are wet.
Edema (Oedema): Leaves become distorted due to excess moisture in the soil. Plants absorb more water than they can use. Burpee Recommends: Do not overwater plants, keep the soil moist but not wet. If drainage is poor add compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Powdery Mildew: This fungus disease occurs on the top of the leaves in humid weather conditions. The leaves appear to have a whitish or greyish surface and may curl. Burpee Recommends: Avoid powdery mildew by providing good air circulation for the plants by good spacing and pruning. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations.
Root Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worm-like pests that cause swellings (galls) to form on roots. Plants may wilt or appear stunted. This is a serious problem in many Southern states. Burpee Recommends: Do not plant into infested soil. Grow resistant varieties. Try planting ‘Nema-Gone’ marigolds around your plants.
How to Remove Ants from Potted Plants
FAQ
How do I get rid of ants on my plants without killing the plant?
How do I get rid of ants in my potted plants?
Can I spray vinegar on plants to kill ants?
What can I spray on my plants for ants?