Are Ants Beneficial Insects?
Springtime means a lot of changes are happening in your yard. One of the most obvious changes that can pop up overnight is an ant mount. But ants aren’t just outside during the spring. This time of year is when people are also more likely to see carpenter ants carving into their homes.
When you’re swatting ants off food and nursing bites, it may seem like ants are nothing but a nuisance. But like almost all other insects, ants serve a larger purpose in the ecosystem.
The Benefits of Ants
The benefit of having ants all over the planet isn’t always obvious. However, researchers have discovered that they serve several key functions that help nature prosper.
They aerate the soil. Most ants dig tunnels through the ground that can get very widespread and intricate. These tunnels help moisture and air work their way through the soil so that the roots of plants can soak them up more easily.
They fertilize plants. Ants often use decaying foliage to build their nests. As a result, nutrients are added to the soil and nearby plants receive fertilization.
They help with pollination. As ants march around finding food they pick up pollens. During their travels ants distribute the pollen and inadvertently pollinate plants.
They help control other insects. Most ants prefer to eat food, but some like to prey on other insects. The appetite of ants has been known to help decrease the number of numerous insects that wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. Ants are also highly territorial and will fight off other insects and animals that get too close to their nest. For example, in Africa scientists discovered that ants play a pivotal role in protecting acacia trees from other insects and animals.
Controlling Ants in Your Yard
Even though there are some benefits to having ants around, they can still be pests that cause a lot of problems. Here are some preventative steps you can take to protect your yard.
Handle food carefully outside. In spring ants are looking for protein so meats will be especially appealing. Even the tiniest crumb can attract ants, and before you know it a whole colony is joining the al fresco dining experience. Be sure to:
- Keep food covered whenever you’re not eating.
- Drink out of containers that can be covered instead of cans.
- Throw plates, cups and napkins away as soon as you’re doing using them.
- Keep trashcans covered and keep them in a spot that is a good distance away from your yard.
A healthy, well-kept yard is less likely to attract ants. When your lawn and plants are healthy there’s no need for ants to proliferate the soil, so there’s a chance they’ll move on to the next location. Keeping your yard maintained will also help you detect the presence of ants early so they are easier to get rid of.
Some people have been able to keep ants out of their house using diatomaceous earth. After an ant comes in contact with the diatomaceous earth it is able to work its way inside and slowly dehydrate the ant. There are a few drawbacks. One is that it has to be sprinkled around, which can get messy. The other problem is that if diatomaceous earth gets wet it’s no longer effective.
Pest control treatments are an effective way of controlling ants both inside and out. Alabama residents that live in the Pelham area can count on Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. to provide safe treatments that keeps your yard healthy while keeping ants away.
Original source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/ants-beneficial-insects/