Although ants are useful helpers for nature, they can also become a nuisance for humans. The insects are particularly annoying when they appear in the house. Unfortunately, ants have a preference for indoor plants and like to nest in the substrate. In this article you can read how to recognize the infestation and quickly get rid of the crawling people.
Repotting helps with ant infestation
Damage to the plant
You can recognize an ant infestation by the eaten leaves. However, this is the only symptom. Unlike other pests, ants do not cause much damage to indoor plants. They are much more likely to be a nuisance everywhere in the apartment due to their lively appearance. But beware, as soon as ants appear in the kitchen cupboard, there is a risk that the food will spoil.
Furthermore, you should act as quickly as possible if you discover aphids on your houseplant. Once these have started producing powdery mildew on the leaves, the ants are certainly not far away. The sticky coating is a veritable feast for the insects.
countermeasures
No matter how annoying the infestation is, chemical fungicides are not an option to combat it. These not only harmed the ants, but also your plant and your health. The following home remedies are better:
coffee grounds
Ants hate the aroma of coffee. Don't throw away your old coffee filter, pour the contents over the substrate next time.
Lure ants into the trap
Set a trap by mixing a sweet, sticky liquid (honey, syrup, etc.) with water. The sweet scent attracts the ants so you can destroy them in a targeted manner.
Make soap solution
Dissolve some peppermint soap (available at the pharmacy) in two cups of water and spray your houseplant with the solution.
Repot indoor plants
If none of the above measures help, pot your houseplant in fresh substrate and wash the old planter well.
Note: Although it is primarily the adult animals that cause annoyance for those affected, the real problem is the young ants. While adult animals have already completed most of their lives, the younger generation usually reproduces unnoticed. If nothing is done against the brood, the expansion of the population will not end.