Hello @sirenahippie !! thanks for passing by. I hope you win that battle too, I have treated the cottonybug before with the soapy water left from the laundry, I tried it with a croton plant that was infested and it worked, but you have to be patient and apply to several times, maybe this could be useful to you.
I think I remember you told me about the cabbage trick but this big red leafcutter ants are too strong! once they have setted up their target, they won't leave it easily. Next time I'll put a tire around the plant and that's it!
Thanks again for reading and leaving your comment! I hope you have a nice day!