Beginner Gardening: White ants in planter, 1 by Naurien

Naurien wrote:
Hello! This is the first year I've tried growing veggies in a wood planter, (open bottom set on the ground, wood sides). And it is the first time I've found white ants in my soil! Some folks are telling me they're termites. *shiver* (See the photo!)

Does anyone have any suggestions? Are they harmful? Google says that some insects in the soil eat the roots, and since I'm growing carrots in there, (as well as tomatoes and onions), that's a bit of a problem! What can I do to get rid of them without spraying massive nasty chemicals on my food??

Help!

Thanks!

Jess