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  • Sweet corn being attacked by ants

    Created by Nita Schroeder on August 1, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    I have small ants on my sweet corn – my question is are they harmful & if so how is the best way to get rid of them? Will the “terro” products work that are designed for around the outside of the house? I also have grasshoppers, are they going to be a big problem in a couple of weeks when my corn is ready to pick?

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  • August 1, 2016 at 1:24 pm #206036

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hello Nita –

    I’ve never really thought of ants being much of a problem on sweet corn, but a quick web search shows that you’re not alone here. Many growers are experiencing trouble with them getting under the husk and eating the ears. You will also want to keep an eye out for aphids as ants will farm them from plant to plant and protect them for the sugary secretions that they produce. I’ve attached a link to our control page which will provide a complete list of earth-friendly remedies. And yes, TERRO Bait will work!

    https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/lawn-pests/ant-control/

    Grasshoppers can occasionally be a pest on corn, especially if their numbers get high enough. However, they will mostly feed on the foliage of the plant and are rarely a serious threat to mature crops. Watch them closely and treat if necessary.

    Hope this helps!

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