(Killer) Ants!?

M

Mooma

Member
Hey guys,

I just recently became a member and I'm just trying to soak up all the knowledge that's available here.

Anyways, I have a small problem

I'm currently growing 5 plants in pots, outdoors in my garden. However, I noticed there were some ant colonies nearby them. Now I keep seeing ants crawling in and out the drain hole when I lift the pots up, but also on top of my plants etc.

Are they bad for my plants?

Some hypotheses: 1) they gnaw at my plants' roots
2) they don't do 1), but they take precious soil and nutrients back to their colony
3) they don't do 1) or 2), instead, they make the soil lighter and get more oxygen to the roots, like worms would do.
4) they're just keeping my plants safe from nasty plant eating bugs, just like they are known to do with trees etc.

What are your thoughts on this?

Happy Smoking,

M
 
Dubious06

Dubious06

Active Member
Welcome Mooma. What kind of ants? Ants won't eat the root system. I've heard some say they help aerate by moving sub soil, and in turn moving nutes-- but I'm not entirely certain if that's true. Worms aerate and provide nutrients in the soil, but ants provide zero nutes-- but they won't take any nutes away from your plant either. They're predators, and typically will keep bugs off your plants. BUT something to consider is that some ants actually cultivate and protect aphids because they produce a sugary substance that ants like, and are a source of food. Aphids are never good. So to answer your questions, ants will not harm your plant directly, but the pest they bring can. Oh and if they're fire ants, kill the little bastards-- they're aggressive and mean! Good luck to you, cheers.
 
napa23

napa23

Well-Known Member
Does anyone suggest putting worms into your soil? i've been wondering that for a while...
 
napa23

napa23

Well-Known Member
Sweet thanks jack. If i ever find a worm after it rains, that sucker is mine haha
 
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