Ants and Aphids in Containers

[EllieB]

Hi there,

Does anybody have any suggestions of how to combat ants and aphids in the containers on my balcony? I am trying to grow veg to eat (e.g. courgettes, lettuce) so am looking for non-chemical methods. I have read about deterrents such as garlic spray but am concerned that this will just move the ants from plant to plant.

Any help would be much appreciated,

Ellie x

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Ellie, the ants are attracted by the aphids which secrete a sweet honeydew liquid, so if you can eliminate the aphids hopefully the ants will go somewhere else. I would squash the aphids and then wipe the leaves with wet kitchen paper towel to remove the sweet liquid that is attracting the ants. The underside of the leaves should be where you will find most of them and also their eggs.

A spray of very, very diluted, non anti-bacterial, washing up liquid in water is said to kill aphids. You can buy sticky aphid paper traps which might work on a balcony. Ants hate water. If you know where the nest is pour boiling water on it. I would also squash the ants but wash the area with water afterwards because I think dead ants attract others. (Probably wrong!)

[jane28]

Is it a myth because i have heard ants will not walk across a chalk line...

Maybe that could work?