Ants are sometimes perceived as a nuisance. However, the animals fulfill extremely important functions in nature. Here you can find out what benefits ants have.
What are the benefits of ants?
Ants useshreddingto prepare the decomposition of organic matter into humus and loosen the soil. Ants also transport smaller dead insects and help spread seeds. Overall, ants make an important contribution to ecologicalbalance
What benefits do ants have for the soil?
Ants transport organic substances andshred up materials so that they can decompose better. The small animals travel around forests and gardens as a kind of natural garbage disposal. They break up materials so that they can then be decomposed by microorganisms. In this way, the creepy crawlies prepare for further decomposition by microorganisms and promote humus-rich soil. Ants also loosen the soil. This benefit of ants is not only beneficial in the forest but also in the garden.
Why are ants important for nature?
Many species of ants transport deadinsectsand carry theseeds of plants over longer distances. On the one hand, the animals keep nature clean and take care of smaller dead animals. On the other hand, the transport of seeds promotes the spread of plants and good mixing of the ecosystem. Both activities have great benefits for ecological balance. Wood ants and ants in particular excel at these activities. In some cases, ants on plants can also cause problems.
How useful are ants to the ecosystem?
Similar to bees, ants areenormously relevant for the preservation of the ecosystem. It's not without reason that there are hundreds of billions of ants worldwide. Animals occupy a key biological position in very different areas of nature. They are often viewed as useful he alth police. An ant colony can fight many pests, remove organic residues and ensure balance in the environment. So if you notice ant trails in your garden, you should interpret it as a positive sign.
Tip
Deter ants instead of destroying them
Although ants have great benefits, the creepy crawlies can also quickly become a nuisance. Especially when there are a lot of ants on the terrace or even in the house, this is more than annoying. But you don't have to resort to insecticides right away. With the right home remedies you can efficiently combat ants using gentle means.