Ants, how to get rid of them?

Tue May 25, 2010 4:51 pm

As I was perusing the garden last night I noticed that I have a lot of ants running amuck on the plants.

Are they a helpful insect (don't think so), and if not how do I get rid of them? I need to know soon before my hubby goes all Sevin Dust on them.

Tue May 25, 2010 5:34 pm

As something of a beginner myself...this is far from expert opinion, but....

I haven't had any trouble with ants in my garden....as matter of fact, I planted one eggplant right on top of an anthill (didn't realize it until the hole was dug, i guess :oops:

) and it is doing very well weeks later.

I did have aphids on my snow peas, and the ants were "herding" them, but once the aphids were gone....no more ant trouble. I mostly don't worry about them unless they are fire ants (ouch!!)

Could be wrong, but it doesn't seem like they are causing trouble.....

Steph

Tue May 25, 2010 5:56 pm

Ants are not particularly harmful in the garden--they don't eat plants-- and they do help aerate the soil.

There is a four page thread on getting rid of ants currently active here:

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... 0&start=45

Type ant control into the Search the Forum feature and you will find tons of stuff already written here.