How Can Ants Pollinate Zucchini?
WouterWhether you are growing zucchini or any other type of vegetable, ants can damage your plants. These tiny insects are known to suck the plant juices out of tender leaves. They can also spread disease to the plant. They can also destroy the developing growth of the plant.
Ants are also opportunistic scavengers. They are also helpful to the garden because they help to decompose dead organic material. They also help to boost pollination rates.
The most common way to control ants is to use baits. These are typically fresh baits, which can be placed around areas where ants are known to be nesting. Ants are not very interested in anything that includes ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or other spices.
Another method for controlling ants is to spray the plants with a homemade soapy solution. You can make a spray from water, dish soap, and vegetable oil. You can also add hot peppers and garlic to the solution. Steep these ingredients in water for an hour before applying it to your plants.
Ants are also attracted to sweet-smelling flowers. You can also plant plants that repel ants. This way you can keep them away from your zucchini plant.
You can also use garlic extract to kill aphids. Aphids are small insects that breed profusely. They leave a sticky substance, called honeydew, on the plant leaves. Ants are attracted to honeydew. Honeydew eventually turns into sooty mildew. This mold destroys crops.
