It’s understandable that you want to get rid of ants in your garden. While they can be beneficial in small numbers (e.g., breaking down organic matter and controlling some insect pests), large ant colonies can become a nuisance, damaging plants (indirectly by encouraging aphids), and undermining paths or patios. Here are some effective methods to control ants in your garden, including both natural and chemical options that should be available in Ukraine:
- Natural and preventative measures:
Remove food sources:
Keep your garden clean of fallen fruit, food scraps, and animal feed.
Cover compost heaps well.
Clean up any sugary spills outdoors immediately.
Create barriers:
Spread natural barriers such as diatomaceous earth (Kieselguhr), cinnamon, coffee grounds, or baking soda around plants and ant trails. These substances can be unpleasant for ants or dry out their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is particularly effective but should be reapplied after rain.
Plant deterrent herbs such as mint, lavender, sage, or marigolds near vulnerable areas.
Disrupt ant trails:
Follow ant trails back to the nest and disrupt them by dousing them with water or sweeping them away with a stiff brush. This can disrupt ants’ communication.
Control aphids: Ants feed on the honeydew secreted by aphids. Heavy aphid infestations therefore often attract ants. Control aphids with natural remedies such as a water spray, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
- Homemade ant baits:
These baits attract the ants, which then carry a toxic substance back to the nest, thus controlling the colony.
Borax-sugar bait:
Mix 1 teaspoon of borax (available at pharmacies or drugstores; caution: toxic if ingested!) with 3-4 teaspoons of powdered sugar or honey and a little water to create a syrupy consistency.
Soak small cotton balls or pieces of cardboard with this mixture and place them near ant trails, but out of reach of children and pets.
The ants ingest the sweet bait and transport the borax to the nest. Borax works slowly and disrupts the ants’ digestive tract.
Yeast-sugar bait:
Mix dried yeast with sugar and a little water. Yeast fermentation can be toxic to ants.
- Commercially available ant control products:
Various ant control products should be available in garden centers and drugstores in Ukraine:
Ant bait boxes: These usually contain an attractive food with a slow-acting insecticide. The ants carry the bait to the nest.
Ant granules: These granules are distributed along ant trails and near nests. The ants ingest them or they work through contact.
Ant sprays: Contact sprays kill ants instantly when sprayed directly. However, they often do not have a long-lasting effect on the entire colony.
Watering solutions: These are diluted with water and poured around affected plants or nests. They can penetrate deeper into the soil and reach the colony.
Important information on the use of chemical products:
Read the instructions carefully: Always follow the instructions on the product packaging regarding application, dosage, and safety precautions.
Safety first: Wear gloves and, if necessary, safety goggles when using the product. Keep children and pets away from treated areas until they are dry or the bait has been safely placed.
Environmental considerations: Choose more environmentally friendly products whenever possible and avoid the widespread use of broad-spectrum insecticides, which can also harm beneficial insects.
Targeted application: Try to apply control products directly to ant trails or nests instead of spraying large areas of the garden.
- Find and treat ant nests directly:
Locate the nests: Observe where the ants disappear into the soil or under stones and paving stones.
Direct treatment:
Pour boiling water directly onto the ant nest (Caution: May damage plants). Repeat several times.
Use special ant control products according to the instructions.
Specific considerations in Ukraine:
Be aware of common ant species, as some may be more resistant to certain control products. Local garden centers or pest control professionals can provide specific advice.
Availability of certain products may vary. Check with local stores for the best options.