Ants not only harm crops directly, but they also facilitate the spread of aphids, which suck the sap from plants, weakening them.
Moreover, ants build their anthills directly in the garden beds, negatively affecting the roots and slowing down crop growth. Many people seek effective yet safe methods to combat this menace, trying to avoid chemicals. Time-tested folk remedies come to the rescue.
Natural Protection Methods
One of the simplest and most accessible ways is to use ash or cinnamon. Just sprinkle these substances in areas where ants gather, and they will quickly leave your property. You can also prepare a vinegar solution (1 cup of vinegar per 1 liter of water) and treat the anthills and garden paths — the strong smell will repel the pests.
Planting repellent plants also yields good results. Wormwood, tansy, and lavender will not only beautify your garden but also help keep ants at bay.
Traps and Mechanical Barriers
Ants are true sweet tooths, so they can be lured with bait. A mixture of sugar and boric acid (1:1) will be a deadly treat for them — worker ants will carry the poison back to the nest, and the colony will gradually die off. Another effective method is cornmeal: when ingested, it expands in the ant's stomach, leading to its demise.
Additionally, you can protect trees and shrubs by wrapping their trunks with sticky tape, which will create an insurmountable barrier for the insects.
Radical Measures
If the anthill has already grown large, you can resort to extreme measures: pouring boiling water or concentrated salt solution on it. These methods will help quickly eliminate the pest colony.
Ants and aphids can cause serious damage to your garden, but you can manage them without using chemicals. Simple and eco-friendly methods such as ash, vinegar, sticky tape, and traps can effectively protect your plants.