Ants!

[Mumbles]

Hi all
How do you get rid of ants? I get LOADS in our garden every year and they are (in my opinion) the worst most horrid beast in the entire world. I understand they are amazing creatures and they can be amazing as they please so long as it's nowhere near me. Every year I buy 100s of ant killer products, as you may have guessed I have a real issue with these critters!
Anyway, my question is how do you get rid of yours? I'm after a solution that will be nicer to my dog/child/environment/bank account but that actually works!

Thanks
🐜


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[rustylady]

We have loads of ants here too. I leave them alone unless they come into the house or greenhouse.

Kettle of boiling water works if you can find the nest, but it will also kill any plants that are in close proximity.

[Mumbles]

I have just been out to lock up the shed and found something I hate even more (if it's possible)- a flying ant!

Thanks rustylady, the kettle is on!




Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[Glutton4...]

Yes, I have an extreme dislike of flying Ants, too. Generally Ants only inhabit 'undisturbed' soil; under paving slabs, concrete paths, flower pots and tubs, and the like.

I've been told (on here, I believe) that sprinkling a particular dry powdery substance, around the vicinity will do the trick. Unfortunately, I can't remember what it ruddy well is!

I'll be back when I remember...

[Glutton4...]

Cornflour, Cornstarch, Baby/Talcum Powder, Chalk Powder...

[Mumbles]

Will talc be ok if my dog eats it ? Which she will!


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[mothhawk]

Will talc be ok if my dog eats it ? Which she will!

It'll make her breath smell nice! Apart from that, talc (magnesium silicate) is used as an anti-caking agent in table salt, so licking a bit of it shouldn't hurt her.

[Mumbles]

Good stuff thanks my garden will now be covered in talc! Xx


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[mothhawk]

What is it about ants you dislike Mumbles? I know they are a bit of a pain when they start to farm green/blackfly, but they keep down a number of other pests. In a compost bin they will get rid of those annoying little flies by eating their eggs and larvae

[Mumbles]

I honestly have no idea why but I just can't stand them! My OH always laughs because I apparently go from nice and calm gardening to a pyscho because I've seen ants!


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[Dorothy rouse]

I agree, can't stand 'flying ants', have to stay indoors, they only appear for a day or so luckily.

[Nicos]

Here...have a look at this thread...
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...mon_77364.html

[Mumbles]

Thanks for that. Came home from park and it was like my back garden had been taken over so on went the kettle... Just read that thread and I have a massive bottle of lemon juice so that will be going in all suspected best areas now for good measure!


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum

[rustylady]

I can't believe you have ants active already Mumbles, specially flying ants. They only come out round here in the Summer.

[Mumbles]

I hadn't seen any until today, they must have been making the most of the sun. My niece is staying over tonight and she has been laughing at my shaking lemon juice in all the nooks and crannys!


Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum