Ant

From BonsaiWIKI

Ants will appear on your bonsai for just a few reasons Either they are actively burrowing in the soil and nesting in it; they are herding aphids or scale insects in the tree's branches; they are attracted by rotting fruit; or they are using your trees, pots and branches as a pathway to other points of your yard.

Ants nesting in the bonsai can often be drowned out by immersing the bonsai completely in a pail of water, to which you've added a drop or two of detergent, for an hour or so.

If the ants are herding aphids or scale, you need to address those problems, probably first. The options include predatory insects, pyrethrin sprays, horticultural oils and pesticides. It's usually best to begin with the least toxic methods, which might include simply washing away the insect pest with a strong stream of water.

Ant Links

  1. Help getting rid of ants - thread


Bonsai Pests
Animals: Rodents and Squirrels | Cats and dogs | Birds | Deer | Gophers and Moles
Chewing Insects: Grasshoppers | Ants | Borers | Caterpillars | Carpenter Bees | Cicidas | Leafminers | Slugs and Snails
Sucking Insects: Aphids | Scale | Mites | Spittlebugs | Wasps | Weevils
Soil organisms and parasites: Nematodes | Maggots | Grubs
Beneficial bugs: Ladybugs | Spiders | Lacewings | Praying Mantis | Worms