How to Kill Any Colony Beneath Potted Plant

Potted plants are a great addition to any home, office or garden. They add a touch of greenery and life to any space. However, they can also harbor unwanted pests. Ants, termites, and other colonies can make their home beneath the surface of a potted plant. This can be problematic as they can damage the roots and soil of the plant. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways of killing any colony beneath a potted plant.

Identify the Pest

Before you start any extermination process, it is important to identify the pest(s) that have nested beneath your potted plant. Different pests require different treatments. Ants and termites, for example, can be dealt with using baiting methods. On the other hand, soil-dwelling pests like fungus gnats and fruit flies require a different approach.

Use Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a powerful yet safe method of killing pests. It is available in most garden stores and can be used on any plant. Mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the bottle and spray onto the soil. The solution will kill any pests that come into contact with it.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a sedimentary rock that is made up of the skeletal remains of tiny marine organisms called diatoms. It is a natural and effective pesticide that can kill pests. Sprinkle a layer of Diatomaceous Earth on the soil of the potted plant. The microscopic edges of the diatoms will pierce the exoskeletons of insects and cause them to dehydrate and die.

Use Baiting Method

Baiting is an effective method of dealing with ant and termite colonies. Place bait stations around the potted plant. The bait attracts the pests and they carry it back to their colony. The bait contains a slow-acting poison that will eventually kill the entire colony.

Repot the Plant

If all other methods fail, you may need to repot the plant. This will enable you to remove the infested soil and replace it with new, pest-free soil. Take care not to damage the roots of the plant during the repotting process.

Conclusion

Potted plants can provide a home for unwanted pests, but there are numerous methods to rid the plant of any infestations. It is important to identify the pest before beginning the extermination process. Methods such as using insecticidal soap, Diatomaceous Earth, baiting and repotting may be employed to ensure the colony is gone for good. With these tips, you can make sure your potted plants remain healthy and pest-free!