Ants have been around for millions of years and are generally considered to be pests in the garden. Because of their nest-building capacity, ants can damage soil structure and plant roots. They can loosen the soil around young plants and cause them to die. They can attack and damage fruit. They can shelter and protect aphids, which are definite enemies of the garden. And they can also bite and cause great discomfort to the gardener.
One of the best ways to get rid of an entire ant colony is to cover the anthill with a large flowerpot that has the drainage hole plugged. The hole can be plugged with a cork or tightly wadded plastic wrap. Boil a bucket of water and flood the surrounding soil, reserving a few gallons of the water. After a minute or two, most of the ants will seek for shelter in the overturned pot. Turn the pot upright and fill with remaining hot water.
Ants are not all bad. Although generally considered pests in the garden, they can improve air circulation in heavy soils and their burrows can improve water drainage. Most gardeners, however, are willing to sacrifice these benefits and get rid of the ants that are infesting their gardens.
Further Reading:
Ants
About Ants
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