Ants in the garden can cause a lot of trouble. They not only damage the integrity of the beds, but can also damage the root system of plants.
Many gardeners are looking for effective, safe and affordable methods of combating these insects.
One of these methods is the use of salt, - reports the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
How to properly use salt to get rid of ants in the garden and what benefits can it offer?
The influence of ants on plants
Ants can be both beneficial and harmful in the garden. On the one hand, they help aerate the soil and destroy some pests.
On the other hand, ants protect and spread aphids, which are harmful to plants and can damage roots.
This makes ant control in the garden a necessity for many gardeners.
The principle of action of salt
Salt acts as a desiccant. It draws moisture out of the ants, causing them to die.
This method is natural and safe, as the salt does not contain any chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
However, it is important to use salt correctly to avoid negative impacts on plants and soil.
How to use salt correctly
Using salt to control ants requires care. First of all, you need to determine the places with the highest concentration of ants and their paths.
Salt should be scattered along these paths and around the anthills. This will create a barrier that the ants cannot pass through.
It is important to avoid getting salt directly on plants as this can cause burns and damage to the roots.
Preventive measures
Ant prevention is also important. Regular soil loosening helps to destroy anthills and reduce their numbers.
Planting plants that repel ants, such as lavender and calendula, can also help reduce the number of these insects in your garden.
Keeping the area clean and promptly removing plant debris will minimize the attraction of ants.
Safety and ecology
Using salt to control ants is an environmentally friendly method if precautions are taken.
Salt does not harm the environment or pollute the soil when used correctly.
However, excessive use of salt can lead to soil salinization, which will negatively affect plant growth.
Therefore, it is important to use salt in moderation and in combination with other control methods.
Impact on yield
Proper use of salt to control ants will not have a negative impact on crop yields.
On the contrary, removing ants improves plant health and increases crop yields.
It is important to maintain a balance and not allow excess salt in the soil so as not to disrupt its structure and fertility.
Practical advice
To effectively combat ants in the garden, it is recommended to combine different methods.
For example, you can use salt to create barriers and prevent ants, and vinegar or soap solution to kill ants directly.
Regular monitoring of the condition of the soil and plants will help to detect and eliminate the problem in a timely manner.
Previously, we talked about how to protect your garden from aphids, whiteflies and late blight.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
