skip to main content

Midwest Gardening

Potted Ants

15 years ago

I have an ant infestation in my potted ficus tree. I repotted it in a new pot hosing the roots off the best I could before putting it in the new pot. I am still seeing ants in the dirt. This is an indoor plant. Is there something I can put in the dirt that won't hurt my ficus?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

webkat5
15 years ago
Make a bath of lightly soapy, warm (not hot) water and submerge the pot for a few minutes...submerge in clear, warm water afterwards.

Before you place the pot back in it's spot, spray a line of Ortho Home Defense Max on the underside and a ring around the sides of the pot....

Should do the trick.
kansastropic
15 years ago
For long term ant/aphid prevention you might try to plant some spearmint near the ficus I have 2 plants near my bananas and haven't seen a single ant since the spearmint was planted. (spearmint has been a vigorous grower indoors so you may have to trim it back periodically)
Related Professionals
Birmingham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kyle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manhattan Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Jackson Landscape Contractors · Surprise Landscape Contractors · Berkeley Heights Landscape Contractors · Hampton Bays Landscape Contractors · Kearny Landscape Contractors · Milford Mill Landscape Contractors · Mount Sinai Landscape Contractors · Saint John Landscape Contractors · East Norriton Landscape Contractors · San Pablo Landscape Contractors · Fullerton Driveway Installation & Maintenance · Riverside Driveway Installation & Maintenance

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Cookware So It Lasts

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid damage during everyday cleaning and stain scrubbing, with these tips for pots and pans made of popular materials

EDIBLE GARDENS 12 Essential Herbs for Your Edible Garden

By Annie Thornton

Make home cooking and drinks even better with herbs plucked from your own backyard or windowsill pot

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

BUDGET DECORATING 9 Tricks to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $400

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re redecorating or just doing a quick update, check out these ways to enhance your home on a budget

GARDENING GUIDES DIY: How to Make Backyard Hanging Shelves

Give your backyard fence a boost with these easy, colorful hanging shelves

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Chic Boho Style for a Hawaii Apartment

By Shaunna Nygren

Cream colors, curiosities and worldly accessories make a Maui watchmaker’s rented home an intriguing, inviting nest

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

Sponsored

Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft

12 Reviews

Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz

More Discussions

garlic coming up through mulch

6

Roses for shade and pots Zone 6a

3

Earth Song vs. Carefree Beauty?

10

Growing sweet corn problem

1