Many, seeing an ant in the forest, do not pay attention to him until he bites. Ants in the garden can cause irreparable damage. These insects are uninvited guests all over the planet, they adapt very well to climatic conditions and reproduce well. Ants can be different colors, poisonous or not, flying and normal.
Biology refers ants to the ficicides (Formicidae), to the order of Hymenoptera, along with wasps, bees and bumblebees.
Did you know? Ants live "families" and are divided into castes: "workers" and "womb", so, womb live longer than workers 2 times.
Types of ants living in the garden
With the onset of heat many gardeners, gardeners and flower growers are concerned with the question: "How to get rid of ants." In the garden is usually found black garden ant (Lasius niger) - One of the smallest representatives of the ant species, usually earthy. The length of such an insect is from 5 mm to 1 cm. Usually, the uterus grows to 1 cm, while the working ants are smaller. This species of aphids feeds on insect corpses; sometimes a flock of such ants can attack a live animal.
Another of the most common species living next to a man is the red mirimika. These ants are red-brown in color, measuring about 4-6 mm. Such insects can live not only in cottages, kitchen gardens or in forests, but even in high-rise buildings. They come together in families led by the womb. They feed on insects (live and dead).
Did you know? Red mummy called "sweet tooth", a nickname, these ants have received for addiction to sugary secretions aphids.
Another species of ants often met on our territory is red forest ant. This is exactly the kind that we all fear since childhood. These ants are the largest of the species represented in our territory, their length reaches 15 mm. This species is also the most civilized: they build themselves nests of blades of grass and twigs. These insects are quite painfully plucked, but the bite is not poisonous, and if the wound is washed, there will be no trace left after a day. The red-haired forest ant is listed in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Red Book of the World Conservation Union.
And about ways of dealing with ants, we will discuss in this article.
Ants - the benefits or harm
Before lime ants on the site, you need to understand: what benefits ants bring, and how they can harm. The main advantage of insect “living” in your area is that they feed on garden pests (caterpillars, slugs, larvae, flies). It is also important that the ants improve the aeration of the upper soil layers. These insects with their acid can dissolve potassium and phosphorus, which will increase their effectiveness by 2 and 10 times, respectively. Perhaps this ends the benefits of ants. Let's talk further about the harm. Ants are very fond of sweet, so they are attracted to peonies, roses, fruits.
Important! For blooming flowers, the invasion of ants is not a catastrophe, but it is better not to let them go to the buds, because they begin to nibble the sepals, and the bud "dies" before it has blossomed.Very often, when picking strawberries, we find many ants among the bushes - and this is bad, since they build nests there and this inhibits the growth of berries. Carpenter ants can turn your favorite fruit tree into dust for a year, so if you notice ants on the trunks of trees, get rid of them right away. Ants themselves bring aphids with them, which infect the plant. Therefore, the protection of trees against ants should also include protection against aphids.
How to get rid of ants folk remedies
Folk methods of dealing with ants in the garden are handed down from generation to generation and this does not make them less effective. The first and easiest way is to dig up the place where you noticed insects. For better effect, digging the ground, you can add lime, ash or ash. If the ant nests are destroyed, then you will no longer see insects. The second "grandmother's" method is to decompose garlic, onions, and parsley in places where ants accumulate - these insects do not like harsh smells.
Frequently asked question: "How to destroy an anthill in the country"? There are many different ways. One of the most affordable - pour boiling water over the anthill or kerosene. You can also sprinkle it with ash or pour it over with sulfuric acid.
Important! When working with acid is better to use a respirator and gloves.
A good remedy is the "sweet bait": part of the yeast diluted with cold water until the consistency of thick cream, add a little jam to this mixture and spread out in places of insects.
Usually ants attack and fruit trees. To get rid of them in this case, you can spray the solution on the tree: 1 part water and 1 part ammonia. If you have an old sheepskin - it can also become a barrier in the way of insects. It should be cut into strips and wrapped around trees and bushes at a height of 15-20 cm. The effect will be better if the fur is treated with carbolic acid.
Chemical methods of dealing with ants
If you have already tried all organic products and do not know how to get rid of black ants in the garden, then you should turn to chemical means. Do not forget the fact that these funds do not have an "eternal" effect, and sooner or later the ants will return.
Important! When using chemical protection, you must follow the instructions carefully to avoid the negative effect of the chemical on the plant.
The most effective means were recognized: "Thunder-2", "Muracid", "Delocia" and "Anteater".
Thunder-2 is one of the most common means, although it is dangerous to people and animals. If this chemical enters the reservoir, then the fish begins to die. Usually the tool is laid out in places where ants accumulate, sprinkling it with fresh soil on top.
"Ant-eater" - liquid preparation. It is bred in a ratio of 1:10 and watering the place where the ants were seen.
"Muracid" - also a liquid remedy for garden ants, but most often it is sprayed or added to bait. To prepare the bait with "Muracid" you need 100 g of water to add 100 g of sugar and 20 g of honey. Spread this mixture in the places where the insects live.
"Delicia" - German powder remedy. It can be used in 2 types: as a powder, sprinkling cracks, nests and insect “moving” paths, and as a solution: 10 g of powder per 5 l of water. This solution can handle both tree trunks and the ground.
Did you know?The safest remedy is "Anteater", as it does not affect the beneficial microorganisms that live in the soil.
In order for ants not to attack your garden, a summer cottage or a flower garden unexpectedly, you should prevent their appearance by treating tree trunks with a solution of water and liquid ammonia with the first rays of the sun and powder the trunks with ash for the winter.
