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Help! bug infestation problem - ch. plumosa

ckl9988

By ckl9988
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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ckl9988 Rookie

ckl9988

Posted
Posted

One of my ch. plumosas are showing sign of ant infestation. How do I treat this? Is it serious?? help!!

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DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

ck!

Welcome to our very merry big band!

As you probably already know, we live to help those with palm (tree) problems. (Hmm. That Palm 'Puter is SO 1999 . . . )

Looks like your problem is scale, which secrete honeydew, which is what's attracting the ants. The scale suck out the plant's juices, which causes the deforming of the leaves you see.

Usually, I don't do anything. Eventually, ladybugs and other predators move in and much out voraciously on the scale (which is a kind of insect). Mother Nature is the best caretaker, in general.

But, if you feel you must do something, you can: (a) take your fingernail and scrape off as many of the scale as you can find (which can get icky) (B) use a systemic bug killer like acephate ("orthene" etc.); or © use "neem oil".

If you use acephate, be warned that it's nasty stuff with an odor to match. Use it, then go away for awhile; don't sit next to a plant newly treated with it. You'll get a headache. (I learned this the usual way . . . :huh: ) DON'T USE ACEPHATE INDOORS. Headache city, and yes, I found this out the hard way. :)

Hope this helps!

Neem oil is much easier to use, but it lacks the wallop acephate packs.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Darold Petty Grand Master

Darold Petty

Posted
Posted

Dave, Acephate has been banned by the EPA. It's no longer available at the retail sales point. (If you find any, purchase some for me also ! :mrlooney: )

San Francisco, California

Ice Blue Community Regular

Ice Blue

Posted
Posted

You can also use plants that attract the beneficial insects that Dave was referring to. I like dill the best since it attracts lacewings which do some serious insect munching. However dill can be invasive so I always plant them in pots.

ckl9988 Rookie

ckl9988

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the tip guys. I have it planted up against a wall with a bunch of gingers around the base.. Hence, the ant problem...I will try planting dill.

calyptrocalyx&licuala freck Mentor

calyptrocalyx&licuala freck

Posted
Posted (edited)

Dish washing detergent mixed in a spray bottle is a safe way if you

don't want to use any poisons...It suffocates the little buggers

and no head aches..Just a thought.Wash the ants away with water, then

spray the mix..stop the ants farming first. :) Cheers Mikey

Edited by calyptrocalyx&licuala freck

M.H.Edwards

"Living in the Tropic's

And loving it".............. smilie.gif

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