A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Lawn care problems Potted Ponytail Palm and Ants

While cleaning my covered back porch today, I discovered that my rather large, potted, ponytail palm is infested with small ants. I sprayed around the pot and on the sides of the pot with an insecticide, but I'm not sure...short of repotting the palm...how to get rid of the critters.
I noticed that the palm was bending over and looked 'pale' and it also seemed 'loose' in its pot. So I dumped some more potting soil on it and watered it...figuring that was the issue. Thats when I noticed the ants. I need help in getting rid of them! I've had it for about 10 years, and it is large...I hate to see it die!

Debbie L.

Neem oil or an insecticidal soap is a good place to start. BUT I myself would get rid of the existing soil in the pot, spray off the roots well, so make sure there are no ant eggs or small ants left behind & then if all the roots look healthy I would repot in in the pot, after washing out the pot & rinsing it very well.

also you need to check the rest of the porch, to see where they came from. There may well be more.
I also think I would put some ant killer (such as Terro) near the pot, for just in case.
Of course you must keep it away from children or animals in some way, as it is poison.

But that is me. Hopefully someone will come along with a more concrete idea to help you. Do keep us informed.