Zamioculcas, commonly known as ZZ plant, is a popular indoor plant that is easy to care for and can thrive in various lighting conditions. However, just like any other plant, ZZ plants are vulnerable to pests, such as ants. Ants are attracted to the sweet, sticky substance called honeydew, which is produced by some pests that infest plants. If you notice ants crawling on your ZZ plant, it’s a sign that they are farming honeydew-producing pests. In this article, we will discuss ways to get rid of ants on ZZ plants.
Before you start treating your ZZ plant for ants, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. As mentioned earlier, ants are attracted to honeydew-producing pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Check your ZZ plant thoroughly for any signs of these pests:
If you find any of these pests on your ZZ plant, it’s important to treat them first before dealing with the ants. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of these pests.
Once you have treated your ZZ plant for honeydew-producing pests, you can start getting rid of ants using natural methods:
Cinnamon is a natural ant repellent. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around the base of your ZZ plant to create a barrier that ants won’t cross. You can also mix cinnamon powder with water and spray it on the leaves and stems of the plant.
Vinegar is another natural ant repellent. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the leaves and stems of your ZZ plant. Be careful not to spray too much vinegar as it can damage the plant.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It’s a natural insecticide that can kill ants by dehydrating them. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your ZZ plant or on any ant trails that you see.
If natural methods don’t work, you can use chemical insecticides to get rid of ants on your ZZ plant. However, be careful when using chemical insecticides as they can be harmful to the plant and to humans.
Ant baits are a popular way to get rid of ants. They contain a slow-acting poison that ants take back to their colony, killing the entire colony over time. Place ant baits near your ZZ plant or along any ant trails that you see.
Insecticidal sprays contain chemicals that kill ants on contact. Spray the leaves and stems of your ZZ plant with insecticidal spray, being careful not to spray too much as it can damage the plant.
Q: Can ants harm my ZZ plant?
A: Ants themselves don’t harm ZZ plants, but they can farm honeydew-producing pests that can harm the plant.
Q: How often should I treat my ZZ plant for ants?
A: Treat your ZZ plant for ants as soon as you see them. Repeat the treatment as necessary until the ants are gone.
Q: Can I use dish soap to get rid of ants on my ZZ plant?
A: Yes, you can mix dish soap with water and spray it on your ZZ plant to get rid of ants. However, be careful not to use too much dish soap as it can damage the plant.
Q: Can I use essential oils to get rid of ants on my ZZ plant?
A: Yes, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil are natural ant repellents. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it on your ZZ plant.