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Ants attacking Ensete Red Banana

TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
in Problem solving
Noticed over weekend ants are climbing over the leaves and appear to have eaten into the new shoot coming up. 
Although newly planted in a large container, raised on blocks and having ant powder underneath also the surface of the compost covered with a layer of grit.
Any tips on this and would it be safe to use a garden bug spray I use for black and green fly etc. 
South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Blast the off with a hose and fine spray? I can't imagine they're doing any harm.
    Devon.
  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    Here is an image of the leaf of the Ensete.
    Can anyone identify what could be attacking/eating or any disease.

     
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I don't think that is ant damage but if you do have ants it indicates the compost is too dry and they are probably nesting in it.   They will also "farm" aphids to get their sweet, sticky excretions to feed to their young.

    Moisten the compost thoroughly - stand the pot on feet so it can drain and not drown - and try adding one small bottle of essential oil of cloves in 10 litres of water and pour that over the entire plant and compost in the pot.  They can't abide the smell and move on.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    Obelixx said:
    Moisten the compost thoroughly - stand the pot on feet so it can drain and not drown - and try adding one small bottle of essential oil of cloves in 10 litres of water and pour that over the entire plant and compost in the pot.  They can't abide the smell and move on.
    Thanks,
    The pot is already on feet and compost is damp, the ants can be seen climbing on the outside of the pot.
    But will try the oil of cloves.
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
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