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With the arrival of summer, seasonal pests are at their absolute peak — and ants are my number one problem.And if it’s not trying to banish ants from my yard or blocking them from my kitchen — now they've launched a full-scale invasion of my garden beds too.We’ve been trying to grow a vegetable patch in my raised planter — where we’ve recently planted everything from fresh herbs and salad greens to melon seeds. But that took a frustrating turn when I discovered the soil had become a playground for ants, literally swarming on the soil and attacking some of the plants.Since I didn’t want to contaminate my crops with chemicals, I called on the gardening experts to share some top tips on the most effective ways to save my raised beds from these tiny invaders.What causes ants to invade raised beds?
Ants in soil (Image credit: Shutterstock)One thing that always puzzled me was what attracted ants to my raised beds — especially when it’s literally off the ground. One thing that always puzzled me was what attracted ants to my raised beds — especially when it’s literally off the ground."Ants usually follow one of two things — food or real estate,” states Kyle Turner, President & CEO of Be Proactive Pest Control. “Raised beds offer loose, well-drained soil that's perfect for tunneling, and if you have aphids on your vegetables, you've basically opened an all-you-can-eat buffet."What’s more, scale insects or other sap-feeding pests produce a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew, which is enticing to ants who collect it as a tasty food source.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.“The issue is when large colonies begin disturbing roots or protecting aphids from their natural predators.”Another thing I learned is that during these sweltering temperatures, consistently dry soil provides the ideal environment for a colony to thrive, which perfectly explains the infestation I found. Plus, if you have rotting timber around older raised beds, this will also attract these tiny critters.Raised beds offer loose, well-drained soil that's perfect for tunnelingKyle Turner, President & CEO of Be Proactive Pest ControlSurprisingly, not all ants are a cause for concern and may actually be helpful in the yard.“It is also worth remembering that a few ants in a raised bed are not always harmful,” adds Rick Young, Pest Control Professional and Owner of Youngs Pest Control.“Ants can aerate the soil and remove dead insects. Action is usually only needed when there is a large nest, plants are being disturbed, aphids are being protected, or ants are repeatedly entering the home from the planter.”How to get rid of an ant infestation without harming your plants?
