Are Ants Good For the Garden?
WouterWhether you’re looking to attract ants to your garden or want to keep them away, there are ways to do it. There are two main options: organic methods and chemical methods. The latter can affect your garden’s ecology and may even contaminate edible plants.
Choosing organic methods is preferable to chemical methods. This helps protect the ecological benefits of ants. Ants are vital to a healthy ecosystem. They help break down organic material to provide nutrients to the soil. They can also help prevent pest problems.
Some species of ants are destructive to plants and property. Carpenter ants are large black ants that build nests in wooden structures. They are also known to bite. Their bites are painful, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
There are many different types of ants, including farm ants, carpenter ants, and wood ants. Wood ants can be particularly bad, as they have larger bites than the common garden ant.
In addition to feeding on pest insects, ants are also an important part of the ecosystem. They aerate the soil and carry water. They can also help fertilize infertile soils. They can also protect sap-sucking insects, such as aphids.
Several different types of ants pollinate flowers. Some ants are especially fond of nectar-rich flowers. They also like to collect sugar and sap from the plants. These insects produce a sticky substance known as honeydew. Ants are especially helpful to aphids, as they protect them from predators.
