How Do Ants Help Plants Grow?
WouterBesides eating, ants help plants grow by aerating the soil and decomposing organic material. This fertilizes plants and improves the health of the soil.
Ants protect plants from pests, weeds, and other unwanted creatures. They also aerate soil, improve water access, and increase microbial activity.
The ant colony is divided into male and female castes. The female workers cannot reproduce, so the colony dies out.
Ants also provide food for other animals. Their bodies are full of bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Ants also have a negative effect on germination, which can cause poor growth. In addition, they are a nuisance when numbers become too high.
When ants are a nuisance, they may cause aphids to multiply. Ants also collect nectar from flowers. This sugar-rich juice provides the ants with energy.
Ants are responsible for aphid infestations in many gardens. They also spread weed seeds. In addition, they destroy potted plants and potting soil. In some cases, they can destroy a plant, such as a lemon tree.
Several species of ants can be found in most gardens. They are especially active in the spring and summer. However, some ants, such as the non-native red imported fire ants, can be a serious problem. They have escaped natural predators in South America and can sting and bite gardeners.
Another pest ant, the yellow meadow ant, farms aphids and protects them from predators. They also collect honeydew from the plants. They can also collect seeds and carry them to the nest to feed their queen.
