Hormigas
Ants
Ants
Pathogen:
Insect
Type:
Risk to the plant:
INTERMEDIATE
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Ants are social insects belonging to the Formicidae family, widely distributed throughout the world. They live in hierarchically organized colonies that include one or more queens, sterile workers and, at certain times of the year, winged males. The queen is in charge of reproduction and can live for several years, while the workers are in charge of collecting food, defending the nest and caring for the young. Ants are born from eggs laid by the queen; From these larvae can emerge that, fed differently, will become workers, soldiers or future queens. The larvae pupate and eventually emerge as adults. At certain times, there are swarms of winged males and females that leave the nest to mate, after which the new queens look for suitable places to found colonies. Some species establish symbioses with aphids and scale insects, which they protect and transfer to new plants in exchange for honeydew, which aggravates their impact on crops and gardens.
SYMPTOMS
In plants, the presence of ants does not usually cause significant direct damage, but it can indirectly promote serious problems by protecting pests such as aphids, scale insects or whiteflies. This association enhances the proliferation of these insects, which leads to a progressive deterioration in the health status of the plant. Additionally, some species of ants can build nests in roots or in pots, causing structural destabilization or making watering difficult.
- Constant presence of ants on leaves, stems and buds
- Accumulation of honeydew or sticky substances on the leaves
- Excessive proliferation of aphids or scale insects accompanied by ants
- Formation of nests in the substrate or near the root system
- Weak or yellow sprouting due to stress caused by associated pests
- Leaves curled or deformed due to the indirect effect of aphids
- Damage to the soil structure or excavation irrigation systems
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
18°C - 32°C
45% - 75%
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Soil movement, Contact between plants, Contaminated irrigation, Plant remains, Agricultural tools, Reused pots, Transplant material
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• 100% DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. DP
Authorized treatments in organic farming
• 100% DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. DP
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Effective against all types of fungi
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
- Seal cracks or nearby entrances to prevent the arrival of colonies from external areas
- Avoid the use of fertilizers rich in sugar or organic waste that may attract them.
- Control pests of aphids, scale insects or whiteflies to eliminate their food source
- Prune parts infested with honeydew or pests associated with the presence of ants
- Use physical barriers such as sticky bands around the stems to cut off their access
- Apply diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soaps at entry or transit points
- Use traps with toxic bait specifically for ants without affecting other beneficial insects
- Promote the presence of natural predators that limit related pests
- Regularly remove fallen leaves, plant debris and abandoned pots where they can nest.
- In case of nearby nests, apply specific control solutions locally without damaging the plant
Recommendations
Enjoy idMicrobe TOTALLY FREE, with no trial periods.
