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How to Get Rid of Ants on False Aralia Plant

Updated: September 13, 2022

If you have a False Aralia plant in your home, you may have noticed tiny ants crawling all over it. These ants can be a nuisance and may cause damage to the plant if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several methods for getting rid of ants on your False Aralia plant.

Identify the Type of Ants

Before you can effectively get rid of ants on your False Aralia plant, you need to identify the type of ants that you’re dealing with. Different types of ants may require different methods of treatment. Some common types of ants that infest False Aralia plants include:

  • Argentine ants
  • Carpenter ants
  • Odorous house ants
  • Pharaoh ants

Once you have identified the type of ant, you can move on to choosing the appropriate treatment method.

Natural Methods for Getting Rid of Ants on False Aralia Plant

If you prefer to use natural methods for getting rid of ants on your False Aralia plant, there are several options available:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural ant repellent. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around the base of your False Aralia plant or make a cinnamon oil spray by mixing cinnamon oil with water and spraying it on the plant.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another natural ant repellent. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the ants.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from fossilized remains of diatoms. It’s completely safe for plants but deadly for insects. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your False Aralia plant to kill ants.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a natural insect repellent. Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the ants.

Chemical Methods for Getting Rid of Ants on False Aralia Plant

If natural methods don’t work or if you prefer to use chemical treatments, there are several options available:

Ant Bait

Ant baits contain a slow-acting poison that the ants carry back to their colony, killing the entire colony. Place ant baits near the base of your False Aralia plant.

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a type of pesticide that’s safe for plants but deadly for insects. Spray insecticidal soap directly onto the ants.

Borax

Borax is a natural mineral that’s toxic to ants. Mix borax with sugar and water to make a bait that the ants will carry back to their colony, killing the entire colony.

Preventing Ants from Returning to False Aralia Plant

Once you have successfully gotten rid of ants on your False Aralia plant, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips for preventing ants from infesting your plant:

  • Keep your plant clean and free of debris.
  • Don’t overwater your plant, as standing water can attract ants.
  • Seal any cracks or crevices in your home where ants may be entering.
  • Keep food and trash away from your plant.

By following these tips, you can keep ants from returning to your False Aralia plant.

FAQ

Can ants harm my False Aralia plant?

While ants themselves won’t harm your False Aralia plant, they can attract other pests like aphids, which can damage the plant.

Are natural methods more effective than chemical methods for getting rid of ants?

It depends on the type of ant and the severity of the infestation. Natural methods may be more effective for minor infestations, while chemical methods may be necessary for more severe infestations.

How long does it take to get rid of ants on my False Aralia plant?

The length of time it takes to get rid of ants on your False Aralia plant depends on the treatment method and the severity of the infestation. Some methods may take several days or even weeks to completely eliminate the ants.