How Do Ants Damage Vegetable Gardens?
WouterWhether you like or dislike them, ants are a part of the vegetable garden ecosystem. They help fight pests and keep the number of harmful bugs under control.
Ants are also a good indicator of sap-sucking bugs. If you have aphids, they produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which ants love. Ants also carry aphid eggs to their nests for winter. They also protect aphids from predators.
If you are worried about ants, there are several ways to keep them out of your vegetable garden. One of the best ways is to attract insectivorous birds. Another method is to discourage ants from nesting by using non-toxic ant repellents.
Another method is to use borax. This household chemical compound can be found in toothpaste and soap. It is a systemic insecticide that is easily translocated to the leaves and fruit of vegetables. It is not harmful to mammals or birds.
Another non-toxic ant repellant is diatomaceous earth. It is a fine powder made from fossilized plankton. This is harmless to mammals and birds, and can be sprinkled around the garden to keep ants at bay.
In addition to diatomaceous earth, there are many other non-toxic ant repellents. These include cornmeal, baby powder, and borax. These can be used to prevent new ant colonies, as well as to keep ants out of your vegetable garden.
If you want to do something a little more drastic, you can try boiling water to kill an entire ant colony. It is also possible to use a white vinegar solution to spray on common ant paths.
