Are Ants Good For Anything?
WouterWhether you’re a fan of the ant or not, you’ve probably wondered “are ants good for anything?” This is because ants are important creatures to our environment. They eat dead animals, build nests, and even contribute to the quality of our soil.
While it’s true that ants do have a major effect on our soil, it’s not as clear-cut as one might expect. Rather, ants help improve the quality of the soil by providing nutrients and improving the quality of decomposition.
In addition, they can also help improve the quality of our flowers by helping to pollinate them. However, ants also have the potential to harm humans. They can sting and can also poison us. Some ants are able to kill humans in less than a hundred stings.
It’s no secret that ants have been labeled as “ecosystem engineers” by some researchers. They help turn the soil, feed on insects, and even provide beneficial pollination services.
One of the most important things that ants do is help thin out populations of prey for other predators. They can also help to remove excess organic waste. Interestingly, the biggest ant in the world is a Dinoponera, which can be as long as three to four centimeters.
The best way to control the presence of ants in your yard is to proactively discourage them from entering. This can be achieved by using commercialized chemicals or using over-the-counter remedies. However, there’s no reason to avoid using natural methods, such as placing bay leaves and salt in strategic locations around your home.
