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CaptMicha Brookeville, MD(Zone 7a) May 07, 2005

What can I use to safely kill ants? These are red ants and I already used some kind of harsh product, which didn't kill them, but nearly killed my passionflowers. I really need something for sensitive plants... that will actually kill the ants... not my plants.

Also, how do I treat the area which I already poisoned with that junk? I dug up the plants but would like to re-plant them when they recover.

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Night_Bloom Griffin, GA(Zone 8a) May 07, 2005

In my opinion, baits are generally best, but it usually helps to know what kind of ants you have first - some prefer sugary baits while others prefer something with protein or oil (Oil is generally for fire ants). If you take some of the ants to your local extension office, they might be able to identify the ants for you. Some ants might even be harmless or beneficial to your plants by predating on pest insects.

Are you passion flowers supposed to be food for Fritilary caterpillars? Because if so, harsh products may also have a lasting effect and kill other butterflies, caterpillars, bees, etc. that visit your flowers. This is why I suggest baits, because they will target the ants specifically and will hopefully be brought back to the nest, rather than just get the small percentage that forage.

Good luck.

Anyone else have any advice for passionflowers specifically? Since mine are grown as caterpillar food, I generally don't have to worry about keeping them around for long.

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veggiemom Windermere, FL(Zone 9b) May 08, 2005

CaptMicha - I'm wondering if the ants you're speaking of are fire ants. They are a BIG problem down here in Florida. We've had very good luck using Amdro Mound Treatment. It's a bait that you sprinkle (just a little) around the mound. The ant thinks it's food and takes it back to the queen. You can buy Amdro yard or lawn treatment, but it's not as potent because it's meant to be spread all over the yard. We prefer the mound treatment and have not noticed any problems with our plants. Margaret

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CaptMicha Brookeville, MD(Zone 7a) May 08, 2005

I would prefer if the butterflies didn't eat these. These were kind of pricey. I now have a bunch of incarnata to transfer the babes to when and if they are laid.

The stuff I used was Bonride or Boride.

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