The ants and all sorts of insects are attracted to spuria iris. I can't
speak of foetidissima as they don't grow here. The spuria have a lot of
nectar that attracts all sorts of insects. They don't harm the plants.
I just ignore them and live with them. I use insecticides and
herbicides as needed, but the ants on the spuria, well I just share
space with them, and all the other insects that I find on the flowers.
They just want the nectar, don't harm flowers or the plants.. Using
chemicals can unbalance the ecosystem and there isn't any benefit from
using it. All the flying insects will still find the spuria flowers.
Chuck Chapman
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Silverberg <s*@molalla.net>
To: iris-species <i*@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Jun 1, 2013 12:46 pm
Subject: [iris-species] ANTS
Â
<<And the ants! I could do without all those ants *everywhere*
on Spuria & foetidissima flowers.>>
Dennis: RUN.....DO NOT WALK to your nearest farm store/nursery and
purchase a product named TALSTAR. (Check it out on Google or BING).
This product was recommended to me three years ago by my local
fertilizer/herbicide/insecticide supplier. I have used it every year
since to keep the ants off my 100+ spurias during bloom time.
Hybridizing spurias is so much easier without the ants getting there
first. The cost might seem rather high (about $38.00/25 lb bag) but
very little is needed to be effective and one bag should last a long
time. I have not noted any expiry date on the package.
Â
My procedure:
Â
1. When ants are noted on the plants give the stalk a sharp tap once or
twiceÂto knock the ants off the plant.
Â
2. Sprinkle the TALSTAR very lightly around the base and throughout
theÂclumpÂjust as you wouldÂsalt your food. Don't over apply!!!
Â
That is all that is necessary. The product is not affected by rain and
one application should last the entire bloom season.
Â
If you are able to locate the nest (colony) sprinkle TALSTAR over and
around the entrance. I have found it to be effective within an hour or
less.
Â
Dave Silverberg
AIS Librarian
Â
P.S. I have not had an ant colony in my garden since I started using
TALSTAR.
