The good things about ants:
1. They are natural soil aerators
2. They kill caterpillars (but may harm some butterfly species)
The negatives:
1. They can bite and it can hurt!
2. They encourage aphid growth (they herd, milk and protect aphids for the sugar/honeydew aphids produce)
3. They may cause allergic reactions in some people
Here are some suggested ways to eliminate/control ants in the garden:
Orange Peel
Orange peel is environmentally friendly. The strong scent of d-limonene works to repel ants by overwhelming their olfactory sense. The citric acid in orange peel can weaken their exoskeletons making it hard for them to survive. The combination of chemicals is a powerful, natural deterrent.
To use: Make a mixture of citrus peel (orange, lemon, grapefruit) by putting cut-up peels into a food processor with water and blending until the peel is reduced to tiny pieces with plenty of water. Store in plastic containers to carry to the garden. The mix can then be poured around the edges of the bed or directly into ant hills. They will leave fast!
Coffee Grounds
While not toxic to them, ants do not like the smell. Ants will avoid areas with coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are safe to use sprinkled around the garden bed as well as right in the garden bed.
Borax / Boric Acid and Sugar
Make a 50/50 mix of borax (or boric acid) and powdered sugar and place in a shallow dish. The ants want the sugar and can’t tell that it’s mixed with Borax. They carry it back to the colony and share it with others. It will interfere with their nervous and digestive systems making it poisonous to ants.
Baking Powder and Sugar
Make a 50/50 mix of baking powder and sugar. Place is a shallow dish. The ants will carry it back to the nest and share it. The acid in baking soda causes ants to die in minutes.
diatomaceous Earth (“DE”)
DE is super-fine rock that has been crushed into powder. This powder is like tiny razor blades that can cut into the exoskeletons of insects. Some warnings if using it: (1) Use food-grade DE which is generally safe to be consumed; (2) DE can kill most insects, both the good ones and the bad ones; (3) Use it on top of and around an ant hill — if the hill can be found.
Vinegar
It is an excellent ant repellant. Ants avoid strong smells. To use: Place a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water with a drop of dish detergent in a spray bottle and use where ants are an issue. Ants avoid strong odors. It may need to be reapplied often.
If you are interested in learning more about Surprise Community Garden, or to find out about garden bed availability visit www.benevilla.org/community-garden or call Christina Broils at 623-584-4999 or email cbroils@benevilla.org.
Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and families. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or donate to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.