How Can I Get Rid of Ants in My Garden?
WouterHaving ants in your garden is not uncommon. These insects are amazing creatures, having survived many extinction events. They have a strong sense of smell and they can aerate soil. They have a complex logistical structure to collect organic matter from the ground.
They also speed up the decomposition of organic material. Some ants use this material to grow fungi.
They also build tunnels in order to carry water and oxygen. They are resilient and have lived for hundreds of millions of years. There are over 12,000 different species of ants in the world. These pests are not necessarily a problem, but can contaminate groundwater and eat your edible plants.
One effective method is to use borax and honey. These chemicals are found in many products. You can make a mixture by mixing the two together and then placing it where the ants are present. The ants will be attracted to the mixture and will carry it back to the nest.
Another method is to use nematodes. These tiny roundworms have a parasitic effect on certain insects. They will enter their host’s body and excrete bacteria that prove lethal in 24 to 48 hours. They are photophobic, meaning they will not be attracted to sunlight. You will need to have a warm, moist environment for these organisms to be effective.
Another effective method is to spray ant repellent scents in your garden. These scents irritate the ants’ sense of smell. They will leave the soil when they smell the repellent.
