In most cases, ants are quite useful. Sometimes an ant infestation can also develop into a problem. Here you can find out when ants can become dangerous and when ant control is recommended.
Are ants dangerous for people or gardens?
Ants are useful and not dangerous. Only in combination with pests or a nest in the root area can the animals cause problems in plants. The only really dangerous species of ants are those introduced from AsiaPharaoh antsThis type of ant isreportable
Are ants dangerous animals?
Ants areuseful animals that only cause damage under certain circumstances. The native ant species pose no real danger. However, an ant infestation on plants can indicate aphids. Ants eat the sticky excretions of the aphids and protect the louse from enemies such as ladybirds. If the leaves of plants continue to stick together under this influence, growth stunts and the risk of fungal attack increases. To avoid this, you should fight aphids and ants.
Are ant bites dangerous?
Ant bites can usually benot dangerous to people. They are even used for medicinal purposes against certain diseases such as rheumatism. An injury caused by ants can cause minor swelling, but this will subside quickly. If you would like to treat this to be on the safe side, the following home remedies will help:
- Cut large onion.
- Press the cutting surface onto the bite.
- Rub the onion gently on the skin.
- Escaping onion juice disinfects and reduces swelling.
Which ants pose a danger to humans?
ThePharaoh ants introduced from Asia can transmit diseases. Unlike native types of ants, they certainly pose a danger to humans. The pharaoh ant even has to be reported. How to recognize these dangerous ants:
- Color: amber yellow upper body, brown lower body, black eyes
- Size: about 2 to 3 mm depending on the task in the ant colony
- Typical features: 2 prominent humps between the chest and abdomen
Have you discovered conspicuous ants of this species and suspect that they are the rare pharaoh ants? If in doubt, have the animals identified in the laboratory.
When are ants dangerous for gardens?
Ants are only dangerous when nests are in theroot areaof plantssettlement An entire ant nest can undermine plants. The animals rob the plant of its stability. If the roots no longer reach into the soil as usual, the supply to the plant also deteriorates. However, if you relocate the ants or deter them from their location using home remedies, you can easily avoid such problems in the garden.
Tip
Consider useful effects
When fighting ants, always keep in mind that they are beneficial animals. Ants transport garden waste, break down organic materials and contribute to humus-rich soil in the garden. They make an important contribution to ecological balance. You should therefore not consider an ant trail as a dangerous or harmful element.