Ants and Meyer Lemon Tree - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have a dwarf Meyer Lemon in a 5 gallon pot and after lots of work, it still gets infested with ants (small sugar ants). I've re-potted it...
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Ants and Meyer Lemon Tree #858142
Asked January 30, 2024, 4:27 PM EST
Hello,
We have a dwarf Meyer Lemon in a 5 gallon pot and after lots of work, it still gets infested with ants (small sugar ants). I've re-potted it after shaking and removing nearly all dirt (and ants) and have planted mint as a companion to deter ants. We've also moved it to various places, greenhouse, yard, etc. to no avail.
I even circled the pot with cinnamon (ants won't cross that spice) but of course with rain, it's less effective.
Thanks for considering.
My Name Here :-)
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Ants will be drawn to the secretions of sap sucking insects, such as scale (a common problem on citrus.) Check to foliage for stickiness or black mold. Clean the leaves as feasible or use a listed insecticide to reduce the problem. If possible, take or send a sample of the affected leaves to your local OSU extension office to identify which insect is causing the problem. If you are in Lane County, your office is at 10th and Jefferson in Eugene,<personal data hidden>.
Dear Patricia,
Good answer and I have both, some mold (not much) and some of that scale as you mentioned. I'd assumed the scale was left by the ants and not "enjoyed" by them. Luckily don't have any aphids.
Excellent suggestions and I will take action.
Take care,
Derwood
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Actually the scale move and the the ants are attracted by the sweet secretions which they enjoy.
