I have just planted my raised beds again for the spring. I noticed that I have some ants that have taken to living there. I don't want to ruin what is planted, but how can I chase them off?
I also have some in my rose bed.
Ants in the garden
Ants are a pretty good sign of aphids. So watch for both.
The ants were what alerted me to the aphids that took up residence on my roses this year.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071009212548.htm
Here's some info on the relationship of ants and aphids.
Once I got rid of my aphids, I don't see anymore ants now.
Here's an article on how to control ants in the garden organically:
http://organicgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/control_ants_in_the_organic_garden
Unless they are fire ants, and then it has nothing to do with aphids -- they are just there and bound to stay.
I got some food grade diatomaceous earth to spread around the yard for fleas. It is also supposed to take care of fire ants, but it didn't seem to work with them as it did for the fleas. So, back to fire ant poison. I really, really hate putting out chemicals like that, but I've not found anything else that will do the job and ignoring them is not an option.
Karen
Maybe I'll try the ant bait around the outside of the raised bed. Maybe that will help. Yes, they are biting ants.
I've read some reports stating that beneficial nematodes can really help with fire ants. I'm going to try this method out this spring....we'll see.