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Thread: Ants?

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  1. April 24th, 2009, 08:57 AM #1
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    Alplily NH
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    Default Ants?

    I have an invasion of small brown ants. I discovered they were setting up camp in one of my orchid pots. I submerged the pot in water, and the ants evacuated. However, the survivors have moved into a new plant. It's like playing Whack-a-Mole. I grow plants in my apartment and have pets, so I don't want to use dangerous pesticides... Any suggestions? Thanks!
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  2. April 24th, 2009, 12:20 PM #2
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    Ants hate Neem oil.

    The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I soaked the affected plants in a solution of 1 tablespoon of Neem oil, 1 gallon of water, and 2 drops of dish detergent.
    The ants never did come back and Neem is not harmful to animals or people.
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  3. April 24th, 2009, 09:05 PM #3
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    If you dont have access to neem oil, a mild soap solution should work as well.
    Just make sure you spray/soak the ants directly.

    The soap solution would only act as a contact killer and will not act as an ant reppellant.
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  4. April 24th, 2009, 09:16 PM #4
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    Get the Queen! The workers are expendable.
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  5. April 25th, 2009, 06:42 AM #5
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    Living here in "paradise," we get invaded several times a year. I've tossed many a houseplant because of the ant invasions. Neem oil is now a definite must on my shopping list.
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  6. April 26th, 2009, 06:25 AM #6
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    Thanks everyone! I will try the soap first and look for Neem... I have not seen that in the stores here in the boonies, so I may have to order online... Rotten ants!
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  7. April 28th, 2009, 07:21 AM #7
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    Neem oil or sunoil. Really any pesticidal oil will do the trick.

    Cheers,
    BD
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  8. April 28th, 2009, 07:48 AM #8
    Ron-NY
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Alplily NH View Post
    Thanks everyone! I will try the soap first and look for Neem... I have not seen that in the stores here in the boonies, so I may have to order online... Rotten ants!
    I have seen Neem oil garden supply centers and the big box stores
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  9. April 28th, 2009, 08:48 AM #9
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    As Joe said get the queen if not then she will replace the workers have to destroy the colony, miss some and they set up a new one .
    I grow in the green house no pets in there. I use Revenge or Antrol the box stores have it the workers eat it and take to the nest . If you see a group eating it resist killing them they attract more to the feast lolol Gin
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  10. April 28th, 2009, 07:56 PM #10
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    Gin, I appreciate your attitude!!
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