Got a couple of asiatic lilies that recently started blooming, but I’ve got them in some raised beds near my front door and the blooms are attracting ants. Does anyone have any recommendations for what I should treat the ants with that won’t damage the flowers? TIA! 😊
You could add mint, rosemary, marigolds, Chrysanthemum, lavender, basil, coffee grounds, cinnamon, oranges, eucalyptus, vinegar, Dr. Bonners Peppermint soap ( added to water when watering), Diatomaceous earth, a 50/50 water vinegar mixture, or even sticky traps could be helpful for deterring ants. I hope this helps Adrian!
1 Like Thanks so much for all those options! I really appreciate it! I have an insecticidal soap and Castile soap atm. Is it safe to spray on the flowers, or should I stick to spraying the stalks to try to deter them from climbing up to the flowers?
0 Likes Yes, you can use the soaps on the flowers but make sure the Castile soap is dilluted with water. I would also spray them well before the sun raises, or after the sun sets, to prevent leaf burns. Avoid applying soaps during the hottest parts of the day, don't apply it in weathers over 90 degrees / 32 Celsius… The insecticidal soap is also safer for pollinators once it drys. To ensure no damage is done spray a small portion of the and see how it reacts.
1 Like