Ant bait in Meyer lemon tree pot - are the lemons safe to eat?

Discussion in 'Citrus' started by djewoods, May 11, 2009.

  1. djewoods

    djewoods Member

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    Location:
    Richmond, Ca USA
    I have a potted Meyer lemon tree with chronic scale problems, there is also an ant colony living in the pot. I have been advised to eliminate the ant colony to help with the scale problems. If I use an ant bait trap in the pot will the lemons be safe to consume since the ant bait is poison?
    Thanks, Deborah
     
  2. Millet

    Millet Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Denver,Colorado USA
    How large is the tree's container? A common method of eliminating ants from containerized citrus trees is to submerge the entire root system (container and all) into a larger container. Root damage to a citrus tree does not start to occur until the roots have been submerged for 48 hours. Your tree's root system will not have to be submerged for anywhere near that long. Over night should do it. - Millet (1,348-)
     

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