Aphids and Ants on Balcony Garden: Separate Controls Needed

Insecticidal soap kills aphids but not ants. Garlic repels aphids only. For ants, use diatomaceous earth (DE) or borax bait.

Organic Ant Control

Diatomaceous earth: Dust around pot rims, trails, and soil surface. Must stay dry. Food-grade only.
Borax-sugar bait: 1 tsp borax + 1 cup sugar + 3 cups water; soak cotton balls in jars with holes. Ants carry it to colony.

Ants farm aphids for honeydew. Controlling aphids often reduces ants. But treat both simultaneously for best results.

Pests: Ants on Grapefruit Tree: Sign of Pests or Dry Soil?; Aphids on Evergreens: Garlic, Soap, and Lady Beetle Allies; Linden Tree Aphids and June Beetles: No Connection, Honeydew Stunts Grass; Ants in Garden & on Eugenia: Granular Bait Solution; Ants at the Base of Citrus Trees: Organic Control with Sticky Barriers; Safe Aphid Control on Plum Trees: Horticultural Oil and Beneficials; Aphids on Aspen: When to Spray and How to Fertilize; Ants on Grapefruit Tree: Identify Before Treating; Ants on White Pines: Aphid Farmers, Not Tree Killers; Ants on Indoor Ornamental Peppers: Safe Removal

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