Your gardening expert. Practical tips on caring for your garden, vegetable patch, and houseplants for beginners and pros alike.
A steady stream of ants in your garden can be alarming. But before you reach for a pesticide, it’s crucial to understand that ants play a complex role in your garden’s ecosystem. While they can be a sign of other pests like aphids, they also aerate the soil and help with decomposition. This complete guide will help you decipher when ants are beneficial helpers and when they become destructive pests, giving you the knowledge to manage them effectively, whether through natural methods or targeted control.
Not all ant activity is harmful. Let’s break down their impact.
The Good (Soil Engineers): Ants tunnel through the soil, improving aeration and drainage, much as earthworms do.
The Bad (Aphid Ranchers): Many ant species “farm” sap-sucking pests like aphids and scale insects for their honeydew, protecting them from predators and encouraging infestations that damage your plants.
The Ugly (Nesting Nuisances): Ants can build nests in undesirable places, disrupting plant roots in pots and garden beds, and can even encourage disease by protecting harmful pests.
I know which ant you’re dealing with can help you with your strategy.
Pavement Ants: Common, small, dark brown/black ants that nest under sidewalks and stones.
Carpenter Ants: Large, black or red-black ants that tunnel into moist, decaying wood to nest. They are a sign of a moisture problem.
Odorous House Ants: Small, dark brown/black ants that give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They often trail indoors for food.
A tiered approach to ant control.
Step 1: Disruption & Deterrence:
Diatomaceous Earth: A natural powder that dehydrates and kills ants. Sprinkle it around nests and trails (reapply after rain).
Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly into a nest entrance can eliminate a small colony (use with care near plant roots).
Step 2: Baiting (The Most Effective Method):
Borax/Sugar Baits: Worker ants carry this slow-acting poison back to the nest, eventually killing the queen. (Keep away from pets and children).
Commercial Ant Baits: Use pre-made bait stations for convenience and safety, placing them near active trails.
Step 3: Controlling the Source (Aphids):
The most sustainable long-term solution is to control the aphid populations in the crops they farm. Use a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil on infested plants.
Leave them be if: They are not tending to aphids, not nesting in your home, and not causing direct damage to your plants. Enjoy their free aeration service!
Take action if: You see a massive aphid infestation being guarded by ants, they are building nests in your potted plants, or they are causing structural damage (Carpenter Ants).
A balanced approach is key to managing ants in your garden. By understanding their behavior, you can make an informed decision about whether to tolerate their presence or intervene with targeted, effective methods. Please feel free to use the resources I’ve included below to dive deeper into specific ant species and control techniques.
We explain which folk remedies can help fight red ants and which chemical preparations can be used. Living with insects can be highly unpleasant, especially if your “neighbors” spoil food, furniture, and belongings, carry...
We explain why ants appear on peony bushes and how to combat them with commercial products and traditional methods. Peonies delight with their lush, bright flowers and pleasant scent. Unfortunately, their flowering often becomes...
