How Are Ants Attracted to Mulch?
WouterDepending on the type of mulch you use, ants may be attracted to it. You can use various techniques to keep ants away, including putting down a physical barrier around the mulch, applying an insecticide, or stirring it to discourage ants from moving in.
Adding plants to your garden can also help discourage ants. Plants provide shade and moisture, and ants are attracted to areas where they can find food. However, you may have to repeat these steps over a period of time to keep the ants out of your garden.
Another method to get rid of ants is to add beneficial nematodes to your mulch. These nematodes kill ants, and are safe for other insects and animals to eat. You can purchase them from some garden supply stores or online. They should be spread around your mulch at least once a month, preferably in cooler temperatures.
You can also kill ants with a solution of vinegar and water. Aside from killing ants, the solution repels other insects. You can also add dish soap to this solution. Alternatively, you can use citrus oil to kill ants. Aside from killing ants, citrus oil is a natural ant repellent.
Another method to repel ants is to use a thin layer of mulch. Some types of mulch may contain sap, which can attract ants. If this is the case, a layer of sap-free mulch is preferable.
Inorganic mulch is also not attractive to ants. Instead, ants like organic mulch, which is made from materials like tree chips, straw, grass clippings, and compost.
