Forum Topic

Ants On The Attack!

Again. 😡 Anyone else being targeted? 🤬

Sue Hammond ● 2010d22 Comments

Not ants, but the bloody moths have decided that our boxtree (lovingly topiaried over many years)is their new home/restaurant.

Simon Knight ● 2010d

Sticky things out of R.Dyas for moths, also they do things for ants. I get the very tiny moths in the summer and they must be attracted to the sticky things when they fly indoors.

Barbara Stevens ● 2010d

I'll have a look tomorrow at Dyas' sticky things. But past experience has taught me that nothing short a flame-thrower gets rid of the buggers...but doesn't do the plant much good :)

Simon Knight ● 2010d

Sue, unless you find a way to get rid of them completely, then they will pay you an annual visit, that’s what we have found anyway.  As recommended previously, get some of the ant traps they sell at Dyas and Sainsburys.  This is the first year I have not seen them in our home.  My husband did some diy which seems to have resolved it — for now anyway. Simon, the box tree moth is a big problem.  Several years ago, they ate through the all the box in the garden.  I replaced it all with a different plant, but it was never the same and it didn’t take well. I bought a small box tree plant last year to give it another go.  I am going to remove garden lights, ie those sticks you put in the ground, to stop the moths being attracted into our garden.  Also I am going to try spraying with Roseclear to see if that might keep the moth at bay. Good luck with it, both of you!

Martine Guy ● 2010d

Thanks Martine, I tried Roseclear and the moths seemed to thrive on it!Apparently Hebe is much the same as box but isn't so attractive to moths...or so it's said!Anyway, given Covid etc a few moths eating a shrub palls into insignificance.

Simon Knight ● 2010d

Hi Martine.  Last year I had ants visiting for the first time ever and bought some Ant Trap thingies from Amazon as recommended by someone on this forum, I think it may have been you? Anyway they worked brilliantly and after a couple of days I didn't have any more unwanted guests. The traps have kept the little beasties away until now so it may be that the crystals inside have worn out so I have just ordered some more and they are being delivered tomorrow, 👏🏻 for Amazon.  I can't tell where there are coming in but it appears to be somewhere in the kitchen. 🙀

Sue Hammond ● 2010d

HalloYup, yet again, ants in the kitchen.  I put down some ant powder on the outside windowsill and so far, so good.  If you don't have ant powder, try flea spray, toxic, so be wary around pets and wildlife.  Can't bear ants in the kitchen!!!

carole tanner ● 2010d

Simon, there was a piece on Gardeners Question Time this afternoon about how to deal with box moth.  I didn't make a note because I haven't got any box.  I think they put tips on their website.  Just a thought...

Judy Allen ● 2009d

I think the sticky things must have a smell that attracts the small moth. Hope your's get stuck then Simon on the sticky things. Ha Ha.

Barbara Stevens ● 2009d

Thanks Judy but the box has given up the will to live. It's the 2nd time we've been invaded and last time I blamed mum for not watering the garden while we were away on holiday...holidays...yes I remember them :)

Simon Knight ● 2009d

Sue, yes it was me recommended the ant traps.  We found them effective but they did not provide a permanent solution. Our ants were also in the kitchen.  My husband removed a skirting board and found damp in the wall.  He used Dry Rod Sticks from Wickes, a damp proof treatment, and touch wood, we haven’t seen any this year. Looking on Google, ants love damp and like to build their colony in a damp place.  Also they love pet food evidently.  They hate pepper and that might be a way of getting rid of them, but you might end up sneezing a lot!

Martine Guy ● 2009d

Simon, thanks for letting me know about Roseclear. I checked my one and only box in the garden and it’s thriving, lots of new growth, so I want to keep the moth away. On Google, a gardening website recommends a natural bacterium or biological pesticide called Dipel or Lepinox.  Amazon and EBay have it for sale, so I am going to give it a go.  

Martine Guy ● 2009d

Martine - try XenTari from TopBoxus. It's safe to use and works. I picked it up a year ago from a recommendation on the Chiswick site. My Box plants are still alive though I'm ashamed to say I don't look after them as well as I should. Xen Tari is made in Holland and available on the web.

Katrina Black ● 2009d

Katrina, thank you very much for this, nice to get a recommendation from someone who has used the product.  I looked it up and it is another of the natural bacterium/biological insecticides that I mention above.  Good to hear that these actually work.

Martine Guy ● 2009d

Katrina, I have just bought it on eBay, thanks again.

Martine Guy ● 2009d

You are more than welcome Martine!

Katrina Black ● 2009d

yes. for the first time in years we have lots

Maxine Campbell ● 2009d

I wouldn't wish the tiny terrorists in anybody else but I'm glad I'm not the only one they're picking on.😉My reinforcements have just arrived, 4 double packs of AntStop! bait stations.😺

Sue Hammond ● 2009d

Another useful trick is the use of white vinegar on their path.After yearly invasions from the same nest, I tried vinegar and they absolutely hate it. Until other chemicals start to work, this might keep them at bay.

Patricia Poulter ● 2008d

A few years ago a friend had ants in her kitchen. One day the door to the garden was open. To her amazement in hopped a robin and took care of the problem. When I visited it was still lurking in the garden hoping for another feast.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 2008d

Good job Robby, the ultimate organic eliminator! 👏🏻 But where can I get one?😺

Sue Hammond ● 2008d

Chemical reinforcements seem to be working.👍🏻 No activity so far today, just had to hoover up a couple of dead bodies. 🐜🐜

Sue Hammond ● 2008d