Are Ants Bad For a Vegetable Garden?
WouterHaving ants in your vegetable garden can be a good thing. They help with aeration and cultivating the soil. They also help with pollination. However, they can be a pest if not kept under control.
The good news is that there are some ways to get rid of them without using pesticides. However, you will need to be willing to make some compromises with your garden.
The most common way to get rid of ants in your garden is to use a granular or liquid bait. The best time for this is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are moderate.
Another option is to use a powder insecticide. These are relatively inexpensive, and are easily applied. Before you use them, you should check the label for any special precautions. You will also need to wear protective eyewear.
Some people have had success with cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is a chemical-free, inexpensive way to kill ants in your garden. Cayenne pepper has a very strong pungent odor that ants find repellent. Sprinkle it around the plants or spray it directly on the leaves.
Another way to get rid of ants is to use a product that contains the insecticide acephate. Acephate is a systemic insecticide that is easily absorbed by the roots and translocated to the leaves. If you are using this product, do not use it near edible plants.
Alternatively, you can use boric acid or cornmeal to create a bait. Boric acid and cornmeal are slow-working, but will kill ants. You can mix them with vegetable oil or water, or simply pour them into the ant nests.
