Peonies, the royal flowers of the garden, have a beauty that can be marred by uninvited guests.
Ants that have taken a liking to delicate buds not only spoil the appearance of plants, but can also harm them.
However, there are effective ways to get rid of these insects without harming your favorite flowers.
Why do ants attack peonies?
Before dealing with ants, it is important to understand the reason for their interest in peonies.
The fact is that the buds of these flowers secrete sweet nectar, which attracts insects.
Not only do the ants enjoy this nectar, but they also protect their food source from other insects, which may seem beneficial to the plant.
However, too many ants can damage the buds and prevent them from opening properly.
Natural repellents
Many gardeners prefer to use natural methods of ant control.
One effective method is to sprinkle the soil around the peonies with ground cinnamon or crushed mint leaves.
These aromatic substances repel ants without harming the plants. You can also make a spray of water and lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus essential oils, which should be sprayed on the stems and leaves of peonies.
Creating physical barriers
Another method of protecting peonies from ants is to create physical barriers.
You can wrap the stems with tape coated with Vaseline or special glue to fight insects. This will prevent ants from getting to the buds.
Another effective method is to sprinkle the soil around the plants with diatomaceous earth, a natural powder that breaks down the exoskeleton of insects.
Using coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are not only an excellent fertilizer for plants, but also an effective remedy against ants.
When scattered around peonies, it creates an unpleasant barrier for insects. In addition, coffee enriches the soil with nitrogen, which has a beneficial effect on the growth and flowering of peonies.
Fighting aphids
Ants often appear on peonies due to the presence of aphids, which they "breed" to obtain sweet secretions. Therefore, it is important to fight not only ants, but also aphids. For this, you can use a solution of laundry soap or special insecticides that are safe for plants.
Keeping the garden clean
Prevention is the best way to control ants. Regularly clearing away fallen leaves, branches, and other plant debris deprives ants of potential nesting sites.
It is also important to ensure that there are no weeds growing near the peonies, which may attract insects.
Chemicals as a last resort
If natural methods do not help, you can resort to using chemicals. However, it is important to choose products that are safe for plants and the environment.
Special granules or gels placed around peonies attract ants, which carry the poison back to their nest, destroying the entire colony.
Regular monitoring
It is important to regularly inspect peonies for ants and other pests.
Early detection of a problem allows you to take action before the situation gets out of control. In addition, healthy, well-maintained plants are less susceptible to pest infestations.
