One of the most common yard pests is definitely ants, but they also play an important role in your garden! They help to pollinate flowers and control some other pests but no one wants them eating away at your garden.
There are many solutions to get rid of ants without any harsh chemicals or insecticides. This is especially important if you are growing your own vegetables at home.
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Pipe tobacco tea - Steep pipe tobacco overnight and strain it the following day. Use the “tea” to pour over the colony and any ant trails.
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Get rid of Aphids - Aphids are one of ant’s main source of food so eliminating them will help stop your ant problems
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Cinnamon or Cayenne - Both have been used in home gardens but is best used as a repellent
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Artificial Sweetener - This has been reported to be poisonous for ants
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Borax (boric acid) + sugar - This is a great method that has been proven by many gardeners. The sugar attracts the ants and bring back the boric acid to the queen which will kill the queen. The essential part is getting the ratio just right to ensure it kills off the colony.
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Boiling Water - This natural method can be used to kill off any ants or ant mounds near your garden, but it is not always effective as there may be several other mounds near by. You may have to do this a few times.
- Dish washing liquid + oil - Mix ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap and ½ teaspoon of olive oil with 1 quart of water. Mix the soap/oil mixture and pour half into a spray bottle. Use the sprayer around your vegetables and the rest can be used on the next.
- White Vinegar - Mix a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar to apply near the plants is said to be a great natural insecticide.
