orchids and ants

[dodidoki]

Strange but while i see that ants are running up and down on my orchids, all of disease disappeared....any observation???

 

[Guldal]

May we assume, that the ants are feasting on mealy bugs and other edible pests?!

 

[CarlG]

Probably herding scale or mealy bugs, as Guldal suggests.

Two things to do: check (and kill any found) for bugs, and submerge the pot in some water with a little soap or other surfactant. This will force any ants that have taken up residence in the pot out.

 

[eds]

Some of my orchids (Cattleya hybrids for one) produce nectar from buds and new growths and ants love that as well.

 

[dodidoki]

Probably herding scale or mealy bugs, as Guldal suggests.

Two things to do: check (and kill any found) for bugs, and submerge the pot in some water with a little soap or other surfactant. This will force any ants that have taken up residence in the pot out.

Thank you.Yes, i regulary check for bugs.

 

[tomp]

Farm aphids as well.

 

[JustinR]

I was wondering similar; ants spread scale and farm them, clever little critters. So probably not ideal. Then again, some orchids such as Schomburgkia have evolved hollow p'bulbs in which ant colonies live and protect the plant. So I'm not sure if its a good thing or not. They might remove unwanted pests in favour of their own pets (scale and aphid)?