Can Ants Eat Plants?
WouterWhether or not ants can eat plants depends on the type of ant. Generally, garden ants do not eat plant roots. However, they will eat other insects on plants. These insects include sap sucking insects. This can cause problems.
Leafcutter ants are opportunistic feeders that eat plant leaves and decompose them. They carry these leaves underground. When they break the leaves, they leave wounds that are open to disease. These wounds can cause the plant to die. They can also be a sign of a more serious problem.
Carpenter ants are known to destroy wooden structures. They can also invade homes. They have painful bites.
Aphids are another pest that can cause problems. These insects feed on young shoots of a wide variety of plants. They can cause considerable damage in a short time. They are attracted to the sugary juices in plant leaves. Ants also feed on these insects.
Insects are beneficial to gardeners because they keep the ecosystem healthy. They pollinate flowers and insects, and they carry pollen to other plants. They also enrich the soil by breaking down organic matter.
Insects also help to protect plants from disease. They carry pest insects to other plants. They also carry pollen and sap from plants to other plants. Ants are able to protect sap suckers from natural predators.
Several different types of ants are also pollinators. Some of these insects include swarming ants, ladybugs, and lacewings. If you’re interested in protecting your plants from pests, try using an organic horticultural oil spray. These sprays are safe to use in your organic garden.
