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Peonies are a popular garden plant because of their large, fragrant flowers. A common problem faced by peony growers, however, is the congregation of ants on the flowers. Peony buds secrete a sap that is rich in carbohydrates, and the ants feed on this substance. The relationship between ants and peonies is so long-standing that it was long believed that the ants were somehow necessary for the peony flowers to open. However, this belief is untrue, so there is no harm in trying to keep ants off peony bushes in your garden or cut peonies in your home.
Steps
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Spray peonies with water for an immediate solution. To temporarily get rid of the appearance of an ant infestation, spray the peony bushes with a strong stream of water. This will kill the ants on the bushes, but won’t permanently stop more ants from getting on your peonies. [1] X Research source -
Spray the peonies with insecticide for a more long-lasting solution. Find an insecticidal soap spray, and make sure the manufacturer specifically states that the product is effective against ants. Apply the insecticide according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks. [2] X Research source- This method will not generally be acceptable if you are committed to gardening organically or do not want to harm the beneficial insects that aid the plants in pollination.
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Treat your peony bushes with a natural ant repellant to avoid using insecticide. [3] X Expert Source Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of peppermint oil with 1 US quart (0.95 L) of water in a spray bottle to create a natural deterrent. Spray the mixture on the stems of the peonies and around the bushes to keep ants away. [4] X Research source- In the place of peppermint oil, you can also use 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) cayenne pepper or minced garlic. Mix one of these with 1 US quart (0.95 L) water and spray your peony bushes with the solution. Or try a 1 part apple cider vinegar, 1 part water solution.
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Prevent the ants from climbing the plant's stem using a homemade ant trap. If keeping the ants off the peonies at all times is your goal, you can make a simple ant trap using paper and petroleum jelly. Cut a circle with about 6 inches (15 cm) wide out of a piece of paper. Make a straight cut from the outer edge to the center of the circle, and then cut out a small circle at the center of the paper circle. Smear one side of the paper circle with petroleum jelly. Then, place the circle around the stem of your peony plant, with the plant's stem at the center of the circle. [5] X Research source- If the petroleum jelly side is facing up, any ants trying to climb the plant will get stuck in it.
- You can also buy commercial ant bait traps to kill the entire ant colony. [6]
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Expert Source
Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
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Complement your peony plantings with ant-repellant plants. Another way you can discourage ants from getting on your peonies is by planting ant-repellant plants nearby. Some common plants that tend to repel ants are geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula.
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Cut and rinse the peonies when the buds are at the “marshmallow stage.” Peony buds that are showing some of the petals and soft when you squeeze them gently, like a marshmallow, are ready to cut. Before you bring the buds inside, rinse them in cold water to get rid of any ants. Put the stems in a vase so that the flowers will bloom.- For even more effective removal of the ants, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the water. A mild soapy solution will not harm the flowers. [7] X Research source
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Shake fully bloomed peonies gently before bringing them inside. If you cut a fully bloomed peony off of a bush to bring inside, hold it upside down and gently shake it once or twice. Look for any ants that may still be in the petals and flick them away with your fingers.- You can also rinse peony flowers in a cold bath. [8] X Research source
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Keep ants away from your blooms with honey and borax. Make an ant trap by mixing a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hot water, and 1 tablespoon (26 grams) of borax. Spread the mixture on a flat surface like a piece of paper or a notecard and place it near the flowers. The ants will be attracted to the honey, but die from eating the borax. [9] X Research source- This solution is not safe for households with children or pets, as it is poisonous if ingested.
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Sprinkle the flowers with cinnamon to naturally repel ants. Ants have an aversion to cinnamon, so if you don’t mind your flowers smelling like the spice, sprinkle a small amount on the buds or petals. You can also try placing a cinnamon stick near the peonies. [10] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat can I do to get rid of ants on my peonies?Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.You can buy an ant-repellent spray and apply it directly to the peonies. Otherwise, try placing ant bait traps around your garden to kill off the colony.
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Tips
- Avoid planting peonies near your house, especially near your kitchen. The ants on the flowers may then find their way more readily into your home. [11] X Expert Source Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.Thanks - Consider that the ants and peonies are simply living in harmony. Most of the time, ants are not destroying the peony, they are just feeding from its nectar.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
Keeping Ants Away from Peony Bushes
- Water
- Insecticide
- Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, garlic, or apple cider vinegar
- Paper
- Scissors
- Petroleum Jelly
Keeping Ants Off of Cut Peonies
- Bowl
- Water
- Dish soap
- Paper
- Scissors
- Honey
- Borax
- Cinnamon
References
- ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-peonies-iowa
- ↑ https://peonypests.open.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2018/10/2018-Thrips-Peony-6-26.pdf
- ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.peta.org/living/humane-home/natural-harmless-alternatives-garden-pesticides
- ↑ https://staysafe.org/pest-control/ant-control-methods-for-outdoor-areas
- ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://staysafe.org/pest-control/ant-control-methods-for-outdoor-areas
- ↑ https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/how-to-keep-cut-flowers-fresh/
- ↑ https://staysafe.org/pest-control/ant-control-methods-for-outdoor-areas
- ↑ https://staysafe.org/pest-control/get-rid-of-ants-naturally
- ↑ Hussam Bin Break. Pest Control Professional. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you want to keep ants off your peony bushes, start by spraying any ants that you do see with a strong stream of water to get them off the plants. Follow that up with an application of insecticidal soap spray 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks to get rid of the ants for good. If you prefer organic gardening, you can mix a few tablespoons of peppermint essential oil with a quart of water in a spray bottle and apply that mixture to the peony stems and around the bushes to keep ants away. You can also try discouraging the ants by planting ant-repellant plants, like geraniums, mint, garlic, and calendula, near your peony bushes. For tips on keeping ants away from cut peonies, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Very helpful. The use of common, natural items is simple and immediate! I didn't have to wade through a lot of personal anecdotes and reasons the author is interested in this topic. This article hits the nail on the head, while gently reminding that the planned destruction should be limited to reducing pests in my territory rather than killing an entire species. Ants serve a purpose in the food chain. Thank you!" ..." more
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"Very helpful. The use of common, natural items is simple and immediate! I didn't have to wade through a lot of personal anecdotes and reasons the author is interested in this topic. This article hits the nail on the head, while gently reminding that the planned destruction should be limited to reducing pests in my territory rather than killing an entire species. Ants serve a purpose in the food chain. Thank you!"
..."
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"I had believed the myth that ants were a necessary part of pollination of peonies! But since they are not, and furthermore are not harmful to the plant, I will not be using an insecticide on them. I can easily shake them off of cut stems if I decide to have cut stems in the house. "
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"Someone had told me ants were necessary to have peony flowers. You set me straight! Thanks!"
"Some useful ideas on how to deal with the ants attracted to the flowers."
