How Do Ants Affect Vegetable Gardens?
WouterDespite their annoyance, ants can actually do a lot for your vegetable garden. They help keep the soil healthy, aerate it, and carry pest insects to the plants. In addition, they enrich the soil.
Ants are not a threat to your vegetables, but aphids and leafhoppers are. These insects can damage your garden and even kill plants. The best way to control these pests is to prevent them from entering your garden in the first place. You can use pesticides to kill these pests, but you should be aware that pesticides can also be found in your food.
If you don’t want to use pesticides, you can control ants by using natural remedies. You can use dried mint tea leaves or peppermint oil soap to repel ants. You can also sprinkle citrus rinds or coffee grounds around your garden. A steady stream of water can also help.
Another way to get rid of ants is to use granules and liquid baits. Baits work best during the spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate. You can either sprinkle granules or liquid baits along the ant trails or apply them directly to the nest. You can also make a solution of peppermint oil soap and water and sprinkle it around the garden.
There are granular baits that contain carbaryl and metaldehyde, which have been approved for use in vegetable gardens. Some granules can also be poured into the nests to kill the entire colony.
