Controlling Garden Ants
There are various ways to control ants in the garden and prevent ant infestation from getting worse. Here are some of the methods growers often use in the vegetable garden:
Eliminate juice-sucking pests
Ants protect insects such as aphids with honeydew. So, you have to exterminate similar insects to prevent the ants from making a comeback.
Use artificial sweeteners near ant nests
Claims that using artificial sweeteners can be deadly to ants. This causes their senses to malfunction. Artificial sweeteners can overstimulate the brain cells of ants and kill them.
Repel ants with spices
Sprinkle some cayenne or cinnamon around raised garden beds. This probably won't hurt the ants, but it can help repel them. Draw a thick line around the vegetable garden bed. This will prevent workers from returning inside.
Use food grade diatomaceous earth
This type of diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized diatoms or crustaceans. This fine powder can dehydrate ants and other pests such as cockroaches and slugs. It is safe to use around humans, pets and plants.
It may take several weeks for the diatomaceous earth to work and kill the ants. Make sure the area around the nest and the trail where the diatomaceous earth will be applied is dry at all times to maintain its effectiveness.
The ant poison trap used to make the sugar and borax mixture will
Mix borax or boric acid and sugar in a container and place it where you can see the ant tracks or nests. This mixture will attract ants, allowing the ants to carry the mixture to their colony and slowly control the ant problem.
Boric acid and borax are natural compounds that are toxic to animals and humans. Therefore, be very careful where you place the mixture. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Pour boiling water on the anthill
This only works if you understand the ant's nest. If you want to use this method, you should look for anthills around your home. Simply pour boiling water over the anthill to kill ants.
Keep in mind that ants usually build nests that can withstand floods and rain. This means it may take you a few tries to completely kill the worker ants and queen and completely wipe out the colony.
An effective way to eliminate ants
If your ant population is out of control, you need a more effective way to get rid of ants in your garden. Here are some other things you can try:
dig a nest
Following where the ants are, dig as deep into the soil as possible until the queen can be removed.
Use beneficial nematodes
These tiny "worms" enter the ants' bodies and attack them from the inside. These "worms" expel bacteria in the digestive tract, killing the ants within 24 to 48 hours.
orange peel spray
You can buy orange peel spray or make your own DIY citrus spray. Citrus peels contain d-limonene, a natural extract that is harmless to soil and the environment.
This immediately strips the ants of their waxy coating, causing them to suffocate. Since it's a food-grade solution, it's safe to use in your vegetable garden.
Detergent spray
Put some dish soap and water in a spray bottle and mix. Spray liberally on affected plants. It can be used not only in vegetable garden beds, but also for plants in small containers.
Just make sure to use the spray at low temperatures, as using it on a sunny day can burn plant leaves.
Disadvantages of ants in the garden
If you see a few ants in your garden, don't worry. However, if you notice a higher than usual number, you should consider containing the infection before it gets worse. When you notice an increase in ant populations in your garden, take immediate action for the following reasons:
Ants cause property damage and suffering
All the ants you may see in your garden may not be troublemakers, but sometimes they are there for more reasons than your garden experience and have more to do with your vegetable growing garden beds themselves. There are two types of ants that you should be aware of, as they are considered real troublemakers.
One of the notorious species is the fire ant, which stings when stimulated. Their venom causes painful wounds that last for days. This means that if you see fire ants swarming over the vegetable garden bed you are growing, harvesting is not going to be a good experience.
Unlike fire ants, carpenter ants do not sting, but they bite with powerful mandibles and spray formic acid. This creates a burning sensation in the wound, which is not a fun experience.
The most damaging problem with these ant species is their nesting habits. Carpenter ants are known to build nests in wood and are very common.
