White ants in planter

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

These are termite larvae.
Found this on e-how.com:
Locate the termite colony. The most effective way to treat termites is through destroying their home, larvae and the queen. Look in hollow trees, attics, basements, walls and mounds of soil for the colony. If you find it, destroy it by knocking it down with a shovel and burning it. If it's a in a location where fire is not safe, consider putting it into a plastic bag and disposing of it.

2
Use termite baits if you cannot find the colony. "Bait" these boxes with pieces of wood and "rig" them with slow-acting pesticide designed for termites. Place the baits around your property in areas where you've seen termite activity. Termites who enter the baits pick up the pesticide on their legs and antennae, and take it back to their colony. There, the pesticide kills the termites and larvae without affecting your plants, pets or lifestyle. Targeted use of pesticide keeps you from spraying poison into your soil or plants.

3
Secure any wood piles in the area to discourage continued termite activity. Cover wood piles with sheets of plastic to keep out the pests, and immediately eliminate dead wood and brush that might tempt termites.



Read more: The Chemical Free Way to Remove Termites | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6585928_chemical-way-remove-termites.html#ixzz1Kpw2VyER

This message was edited Apr 28, 2011 10:38 AM

Iiiiiick!

Naurien...there is a product that is TOTALLY safe and effective. It's called CedarCide. Made from Texas Red Cedar. They even make a spray to TREAT the wood on decks, fences, siding, planter boxes. You can read about how it literally changes the unprotected wood to become MOST undesireable.

Here is Dr. Ben's exact response to my email I sent him to ask about your specific need:

"Your friend should use our gent Gold to get rid of those termite rascals in her raised gardens. Just soak the wood from both sides and then the soil around the wood for a few inches and that will put a end to her problems. She can always email me if she needs further info.

Have a good day and thanks for using CedarCide products."

Dr. Ben Oldag
askben@cedarcide.com



"On July 14th, 2010, Michael McDavit, Acting Director of the Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division of The EPA issues a comprehensive review of the safety and efficacy of Cedar oil based bio pesticides. Please click on the link below to review the full 26 EPA page report."

http://www.cedarcidestore.com/f/EPA_Cedar_Oil_Report.pdf


Highlights of EPA Report-

-Strongly Indicate that Cedar Oil should be non-toxic to terrestrial life, safe to the US population, infants and children in particular.

-Safe to non target organisms and the environment.

-No risk to endangered or threatened terrestrial or aquatic species.

-Unique characteristics of Cedar Oil, its non toxic mode of action, low use volume and its biodegradability.

EPA Review 7/14/10 Strongly Indicate that Cedar Oil is non-toxic to terrestrial life, infants, children. Environmentally safe to endangered terrestrial or aquatic species. Cedar Oil unique non toxic mode of action, low use volume, biodegradability.


I know this will perform!

Sorry...that was supposed to be.... Agent Gold. Ooops!