I think this was discussed here before, but I can't find it doing a search.
Is there a spice or mixture to deter ants? Two of my orchid plants became infested, and while I've treated them, I'd like to keep the little buggers from coming back (if possible). TIA

By Tink on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 05:01 pm:

I think ground red pepper works. I've never tried it but I have read that a few times. Good luck! I get ants every year at this time and HATE them.

By Amecmom on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 05:57 pm:

409 kills them and keeps them away, but I've never used it on plants, so I don't know if it will kill or harm the plant in any way.
Ame

By Momaroze on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 06:33 pm:

Around the house, to deter the ants we use a mixture of borax and icing sugar. Probably not the best for your plants though. Sorry I could not be of more help. I would like to know as well, rhubarb was infested last year.....

By John on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 07:25 pm:

I use Neem oil mixed in water with a bit of detergent as an emulsifier on my orchids. 1/2 tsp per gallon of water, 1/8 tsp dish detergent

Works like a charm..insects can't stand it.

Borax will probably work as well.

By Feona on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 07:45 am:

I used the combat disk. Worked perfect.

By Sunny on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:40 am:

I'm going to look for the Neem oil. Thanks.

By Fionadeassis on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 10:15 am:

Sunny-I just read that ants can't stand coffee grounds...and you can spread it around the plant and it will also fertilize the plant...now go make a pot of coffee!

fiona