When ants have made a full-time home in the rootball of one of my potted plants, I use a cheap, non-toxic substance to get rid of them. It’s called water.
I’ll explain how I go about this using the example of one of my coffee plants, which last week became the home to an Argentine ant colony and needed the water treatment.
First, I get a bucket that is slightly bigger than the pot and put the pot into the bucket. Then I fill the bucket with water until the water line is above the pot’s mix. Pot in bucket. Filled with water above mix level.
I leave the pot underwater until I see no more ants emerging, giving them plenty of time to run far away from the potted plant to find a new home. This usually takes three or four hours.
Lift the pot out of the bucket and let it drain. I like to let it drain near a plant I want to water so that no water is wasted.
That’s it. The ants are gone. Coffee plant back with his friends under the shade of an oak tree.
Will the ants come back? Possibly. In my experience, they sometimes do and sometimes don’t. If they do, simply repeat the process. It’s not very time consuming, and it certainly isn’t costly.
Those are two advantages of this control method. Another is that it waters your plant, thoroughly. Also, it is not harmful to the plant. I’ve even done it to plants whose roots are exceptionally sensitive to low oxygen, such as avocados, and the plants haven’t shown any suffering.
This water bath treatment doesn’t even harm the ants, really; it only forces them to migrate. Nor does it appear to hurt any other critters living in the potting mix. I sometimes see worms at the surface of the potting mix after this immersion, but the worms just dig back into the mix once the water is drained out.
Here’s a three-minute video where I get rid of the ants in the pot of the coffee plant:
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The vibrant Ascot Rainbow Spurge is a beloved houseplant, but ants invading your prized possession can quickly turn enjoyment into annoyance While ants are drawn to the nectar and aphids that commonly infest Euphorbia, an ant incursion can threaten the health and appearance of your plant With the right strategies, you can banish ants from your Ascot Rainbow Spurge and restore harmony to your indoor oasis.
Why Ants Are Attracted to the Ascot Rainbow Spurge
Ants forage for food sources to bring back to the colony A few key features of the Ascot Rainbow Spurge make it a tantalizing ant treat
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Sugary sap – The Euphorbia secretes sweet nectar that attracts sweet-loving ants.
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Aphid colonies – Ants herd and milk aphids for the honeydew they excrete, a sweet waste product.
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Strategic location – Potted indoor plants provide convenient access from nearby outdoor ant colonies.
While ants don’t directly harm the plant, their presence signals a likely aphid infestation requiring control. Plus, trailing ants disrupt the beauty and tranquility the Ascot Rainbow Spurge brings to your living space.
Signs Your Spurge Has become an Ant Snack Bar
Watch for these clues that ants have moved into your plant:
- Ant trails on the leaves, stems, and soil
- Aphid colonies on new growth and undersides of leaves
- Sticky honeydew coating on foliage
- Sooty mold on leaves and stems
- Distorted, curled, or wrinkled leaves
Catching an ant invasion early maximizes your chances of quickly eliminating them.
Safe, Effective Ways to Kick Ants Out of Your Potted Spurge
Once you confirm ants have occupied your Ascot Rainbow Spurge, here are some pesticide-free methods to evacuate them:
Employ Natural Ant Repellents
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Sprinkle cinnamon, red chili pepper, or dried peppermint around the base of the pot.
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Use citrus peels as a barrier – ants detest the oils.
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Apply a line of chalk, talcum powder, or Vaseline to block their path.
Remove the Food Source
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Prune away heavily aphid-infested parts of the plant.
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Knock off aphid colonies with a strong stream of water.
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Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to kill off remaining aphids.
Set Out Ant Baits and Traps
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DIY borax or sugar-based liquid ant bait near plant.
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Purchase commercial ant traps and situate near probable entry points.
Make Your Plant an Unwelcoming Environment
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Ensure the plant soil is completely dry – ants need moisture.
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Immediately clean up any spilled nectar or debris ants can feast on.
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Place potted plant on a tray with water moat to impede access.
Discouraging Ants from Returning to Your Spurge
Getting rid of the ants is only half the battle—you’ll also need to deter them from re-colonizing your Ascot Rainbow Spurge. Here are some tips:
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Maintain an aphid-free plant by frequently checking for pests and taking action at first signs.
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Remove weeds, debris, and rotting wood around the base of the pot that may attract ants.
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Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to eliminate a desirable moist environment.
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Apply a light dusting of diatomaceous earth around the base and rim of the pot to deter ants from entering.
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Place sticky barrier traps around the pot perimeter to catch scouting ants.
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Use an organic insecticide like neem oil to repel ants and control aphids.
With vigilance and these pest control techniques, you can evict ants from your potted spurge and prevent them from returning. No more disruptive insect invaders marching across your beautiful Ascot Rainbow Spurge foliage. Just pristine, vibrant leaves welcoming you home. Reclaim your plant oasis!
Welcome . . .
Im Greg. My goal is to help you grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. I write a new “Yard Post” every Friday.
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How To Get Rid of Ants in Grass Naturally
FAQ
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What is a ‘Ascot Rainbow’ spurge?
Never fear ‘Ascot Rainbow’ Spurge is here. Also known as Euphorbia martinii, this is a low growing evergreen subshrub (20 inches in height) that looks stunning in masses. This plant has an upright bushy habit with creamy green and white variegated leaves. The top of each growing tip has a tinge of magenta pink that gives off a tropical vibe.
Can Ascot Rainbow spurge grow in shade?
The Ascot Rainbow Spurge prefers to grow under the full sun, particularly when grown in the cooler USDA zones. For the warmer zones, it grows optimally in partial shade. However, be sure to protect the plant from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Moreover, this plant grows well in USDA hardiness zone 5 to 9.
Do spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ need a lot of water?
This dwarf hybrid grows well in containers and stands out in mixed borders. Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ needs regular watering about once a week, especially during growing seasons. The plants don’t need great amounts of water during temperate environmental conditions, but during hot summer days they need as much water as any other plant.
Are Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ poisonous?
Note that all parts of the plant are toxic. This dwarf hybrid grows well in containers and stands out in mixed borders. Spurges ‘Ascot Rainbow’ needs regular watering about once a week, especially during growing seasons.