Ants
Ants are segmented little critters with six legs varying in size, depending on the species. They can be teeny tiny, such as the sugar ant, or up to ½” long, as is the carpenter ant. You will typically find a colony of ants when food is dropped to the ground or sugar is spilled on your countertops. Consider them fast food junkies; forever on the search of delectable treats to take home to the queen.
Ants are attracted to the honeydew left behind by white flies and aphids. In showing their gratitude for the abundant sweet treat, ants and aphids have formed an unspoken biological contractual agreement between them. The aphid (and white fly) excretes sweet nectar the ant so enjoys. In return, the ant will protect the aphids and white flies from predators. Such gracious little guests, aren’t they? Their presence can actually be a blessing to the cannabis grower. Ants will not harm your pot plants, but their activity indicates a serious problem. Consider them little generals that warn you of the enemy!
Although ants pose no real threat to your cannabis garden, they do, however create airy mounds in the soil surrounding your plants, which can affect the water absorption and soil quality. Their presence can affect the roots if you don’t nip them in the bud, so to speak. Eradicating your white fly and aphid population will correct this annoying pest problem.
As an added measure, sprinkle corn meal around and inside the center opening of any visible ant mounds. Ants cannot digest cornmeal and will die as a result. The soil aeration they create, coupled with their decomposing carcasses will further enhance the nutritional properties of the amended soil. Busy little soldiers that they are, ants are the epitome of the good, the bad and the ugly of the plant world.
If you order marijuana seeds from my webshop and you get problems with pests or diseases, I’m here to help you. There are guides about plant care where all pests/diseases are discussed and you can contact me by mail. Please like or share this article
Robert
robert@ilovegrowingmarijuana.com
The post Marijuana Pests – Ants appeared first on .