Herb beds are rarely heavily visited by ants. Depending on the planting, the animals can definitely find their way into the bed. Then you should react and this is how you fight ants.
How can I fight ants in the herb bed?
To combat ants in the herb bed, you can relocate ant nests, use plants such as lavender or thyme, use algae lime or baking soda and prevent aphid infestations. Make sure to drive away beneficial insects rather than destroy them.
Do ants in the herb bed destroy plants?
Ants canundermine roots in the herb bedand promoteaphid infestation. However, this problem only occurs when there are a certain number of ants in the herb bed. So if there are few ants, you shouldn't worry. The ants are also useful for your garden. For example, they clean up small garden waste and have a positive impact on the soil at the site. Some varieties even eat pests, for example by eating caterpillars.
How do I remove an ant nest from the herb bed?
With aclay potandwood wool you can relocate an ant nest in the herb bed. How to move the ant colony to a new location:
- Fill the clay pot with wood wool.
- Put the pot over the ant nest.
- Weigh down the drain hole with stone.
- Let ants move into the pot.
- After a week, push the spade under the pot.
- Put the pot with the ant colony in a new location.
Make sure the new location is far away from the herb bed. Then the ants won't return to the herb bed.
When does ant infestation occur in the herb bed?
EspeciallyAphid infestation can attract ants. Many herb plants are not appealing to ants. Some are even used to repel ants. If there are aphids on the leaves, they quickly attract ants. Lice excrete honeydew. The ants like to feed on this sticky excretion. They cultivate the animals and spread the aphid infestation. If the leaves stick together, this hinders growth and promotes fungal attack.
Which plants in the herb bed keep ants away?
Herbs likeLavender and thyme are often used against ants. Plants with a high proportion of essential oils in particular have a deterrent effect. They spread a smell that is unpleasant for the animals. Lemon peel, coffee and plant manure are also suitable for repelling ants in herb beds. Scatter or spray these materials to control ants in the bed or sprinkle them over ant trails.
How do I interrupt ant trails to the herb bed?
Set a limit on ants with algae lime. The dusty substance with a basic pH neutralizes formic acid. It is therefore not entered by animals. Scatter a thick enough line across the ant trail so that it doesn't disappear with the next breath of wind.
Are there alternatives to ant bait in the herb bed?
WithBaking soda you have a non-toxic alternative to ant bait. Unlike common ant baits, baking soda does not contain any harmful substances. However, baking soda is deadly to ants. Since in this case these are beneficial insects, you should drive away the animals rather than destroy them.
Tip
Nematodes for ant control
Nematodes are another way to combat ants in the herb bed. You can get the right predators from specialist retailers.
