Ants on Gardenia Topiaries: Symptom of Honeydew Producers

Ants Are Not the Primary Pest

Ants nesting in your gardenia topiaries are almost certainly farming aphids, scale, or mealybugs for their honeydew. The ants themselves don’t damage the plant.

Find and Treat the Source

• Inspect leaves and stems for the honeydew-producing insects.
• Apply the appropriate insecticide for that pest (your nursery can recommend).
• Treat the ant colony at its source (often in the soil nearby) with a bait or contact spray.

Once the honeydew supply is cut off, the ants will abandon the plant.