Ants in the greenhouse

[workhorse]

I have had some ants move into the greenhouse. Are they a help or a hindrance, and will they do any harm to the plants etc.

[rustylady]

Definitely a hindrance! They don't eat plants, but they do undermine the roots, and also farm aphids which will harm your plants. Get rid!!

[hawthorns]

try sprinkling coffee around they hate it

[workhorse]

Thanks Rustylady, remove i will, although I do have a solid paved floor. Its just a pain finding a little gathering of them on things left on the floor.

Well Hawthorns, coffee. Is that instant or ground? and do you use any particular brand?

[smallblueplanet]

try sprinkling coffee around they hate it

Is it okay if I drink it first and just use the dregs? Will let you know how it goes - we get loads of ants, and I usually pour boiling water on the holes. That and the coffee will be interesting!

[hawthorns]

ground coffee granules. not used

[lainey lou]

Put down some cornflour it works in the same way as ant powder but is cheeper!!!

[janeyo]

This is interesting as I have noticed some disturbance in my raised beds round the carrots which haven't yet appeared. I have also seen some ants.

I did put coffee grinds down a few days ago before I spoted the disturbance but the ants have increased - maybe they like the brand we use?!

janeyo

[Cutecumber]

I've used boiling water with success on a small red ants nest. I've got gravel and slabs in the greenhouse so I can just pour it on.

[areia]

but how does the cornflower kill them though *i just have images of ants thickening a leaf stew *

[brooklynodog]

Is traditional ant powder harmfull to innocent beasties?

[lainey lou]

[QUOTE=areia;204009]but how does the cornflower kill them though *i just have images of ants thickening a leaf stew *[/QU



Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

[Cutecumber]

I don't understand - is it cornflour or cornmeal????

[lainey lou]

It's cornmeal! Sorry for the confusion!