Wandering Jew plant, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant. However, it is not uncommon for ants to infest the soil and foliage of the plant, causing damage and making it unsightly. Ants are attracted to the sweet and sticky nectar produced by the plant’s flowers, which can lead to a full-blown ant invasion. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to get rid of ants on a Wandering Jew plant.
Before you can effectively eliminate ants from your Wandering Jew plant, you need to determine the type of ant that has infested it. Different types of ants require different treatments, so it is essential to identify them correctly. You can do this by observing their behavior and physical characteristics.
The most common ant species that infest houseplants are:
If you prefer not to use chemical pesticides, there are several natural ways to get rid of ants on your Wandering Jew plant:
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, powdery substance made from crushed fossils. It works by dehydrating and suffocating insects, including ants. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant or directly on the ants’ trail.
Vinegar is a natural ant repellent that disrupts their sense of smell. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and spray it on the plant’s leaves and soil.
Cinnamon is a natural ant repellent that masks the scent trail left by ants. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around the base of the plant or on the ants’ trail.
Essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus are potent ant repellents. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it on the plant’s leaves and soil.
If natural remedies don’t work, you can use chemical pesticides to eliminate ants from your Wandering Jew plant. However, it is crucial to choose a pesticide that is safe for indoor use and won’t harm the plant or other household pets.
Boric acid is a low-toxicity insecticide that disrupts the ant’s digestive system, leading to death. Mix boric acid with sugar or honey and place it in an area where ants frequent.
Ant baits are small containers filled with a sugary liquid that attracts ants. The liquid contains a slow-acting poison that the ants take back to their colony, eventually killing all of them.
The best way to deal with ants on your Wandering Jew plant is to prevent them from infesting it in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
You may notice ants crawling on the foliage or soil of your plant. You may also see ant trails leading to and from your plant.
Ants themselves do not harm the plant, but they can attract other pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects that feed on the plant’s sap, causing damage and weakening the plant.
No, household insect sprays are not safe for indoor use and can harm your plant or other household pets.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the pesticide label regarding application frequency. Generally, you should reapply the pesticide every 7-10 days until the ant infestation is eliminated.