Finding ants in your garden isn’t always a bad thing, but you don’t want your garden overrun by these pests. Their presence could also be a sign of a bigger problem. If you know why ants are hanging out near your garden, it will be easier to protect your plants. Check out a few reasons why ants are likely to invade your garden.
They Found Shelter
Ants may head to your garden in search of shelter. Your plants can provide ants with a place to hide, especially if you have overgrown vegetation. Tall grass surrounding your garden can also attract ants. These bugs may seek shelter in mulch as well. Some ant species nest in soil, which makes your garden a great place to settle down. Ants can also take advantage of debris, like fallen leaves, in your garden.
They Found Moisture
Moisture can also attract ants to your garden. Excess moisture from rainfall or watering plants can provide ants with the water they need. A leaky hose or spigot can lead ants to your yard. Water that has collected in flowerpots or dishes can be a resource to ants as well. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in damp wood. If you have wood borders around flower beds, they could be attractive to these ants.
They Found Food
Ants are likely to show up if there is something for them to eat. These bugs can feed on insect pests and decaying plant matter in your garden. Ants are also known to like nectar. If you enjoy a meal outside and leave behind crumbs or spills, ants could arrive. Though they didn’t start out in your garden, they could quickly march toward it. Other ants, like leafcutter ants, cut off pieces of leaves. They take the leaves back to their nest to cultivate a fungus garden.
They Found Honeydew
Certain garden pests, like aphids and mealybugs, produce a sweet substance called honeydew. Ants can’t get enough of this sweet treat. Some ants will protect these pests so that they can eat the honeydew. If you notice a bunch of ants in your garden, you may want to check for aphids and other honeydew-producing garden pests.
Tips to Prevent Ants in Your Garden
Your garden may be attractive to ants, but there are things you can do to help keep these pests away. Check out a few tips to prevent ants in your garden.
- Keep Your Garden Clean: Taking the time to maintain your garden can help to prevent ants. Remove fallen leaves, flowers, and other debris. Keep your grass cut short, and trim your shrubs and plants to minimize sources of shelter.
- Minimize Moisture: It’s important to reduce excess moisture in your garden and yard. Avoid overwatering your plants. Empty flowerpots, dishes, and other items filled with water. Repair or replace leaky spigots and hoses.
- Check for Garden Pests: If other pests are hanging out in your garden, they could provide ants with a food source. Regularly check for aphids and other garden pests. Plant-based insecticide sprays can help to get rid of these pests. Our 3-in-1 Garden Spray kills common garden pests on contact and provides residual repellency protection.
- Use an Ant Bait: Our No Spill Ant Kill bait stations can help to protect your yard and garden from ants. They are designed to allow ants to consume the bait and take it back to the nest to share with the colony. This helps to target the source of the infestation, providing you with longer-lasting results.
Whenever ants or other pests show up, it’s important to identify what’s attracting them to your space. This will make it easier to get rid of them. If you’re dealing with a pest problem, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.