Ants are useful animals, that's indisputable. In the raised bed, however, they are more of a nuisance than useful helpers. And many hobby gardeners know the problem: the raised bed has hardly been erected and the first plants begin to sprout when the ants come. They just force their way into the bed and are difficult to get rid of. But there are also tried-and-tested remedies against these pests, which are actually nuisances.
Preventive action
You should take preventive measures to ensure that the pests do not spread in the raised bed in the first place. It is best to ensure that odors are spread in the raised bed that the insects do not like.
This includes:
- strong smelling herbs
- cinnamon powder
Strong-smelling herbs that pests dislike include:
- thyme
- lavender
- marjoram
- Cinnamon powder is particularly good for raised beds with ornamental plants
Tip: If cinnamon powder is used, you do not have to plant any herbs.
Lavender in the garden bed
Measures against ants
If the little pests have already settled in the raised bed, you don't have to despair. Because with a few tricks you can remove or get rid of the insects. When using home remedies, however, it must be noted that some drive away the ants and others kill the pests. With the latter, you should definitely keep in mind that you are not only killing ants, but also other beneficial insects.
Tip: The effect of the various home remedies that drive away the pests varies. It depends on the ant species. Therefore, you should try different means.
relocate
It is best if you relocate the ant colony. To do this, fill a flower pot with soil and wood shavings. Then place the flower pot upside down in the bed. Since the filled flower pot is extremely attractive to the ant colony, they will move into the pot. After two to three days, the insects should have moved into the pot. Then put the spade under the pot, lift it out of the raised bed and place it in a suitable place. With this simple strategy you will get rid of the pests without killing the people.
incense sticks
Since the little pests do not like certain smells, incense sticks can also help to get rid of them. Simply stick the incense sticks upside down in the bed. The smell will drive away the bugs.
spread smells
In addition to using incense sticks, you can also use other scents that will help you get rid of the pests.
This includes:
- cinammon
- lavender flowers
- cloves
- chili powder
- lemon peels
Hot peppers/chili in a glass
block roads
Another variant is to block the access routes. Chalk powder and garden talc have proven effective for this.
lay out the bait
You can also get rid of ants with bait. In a vertical-walled container, add maple syrup mixed with boric acid. The sweet smell attracts the insects and they fall into the trap.
Other biological baits are:
- honey water
- raspberry water
- Sugared beer
- syrup
Whatever bait you choose to use, it is certain that the insects will drown in the liquid. How effective the baits are is debatable. However, there is agreement that you do not catch the entire ant colony with baits. In addition, not only ants go into these baited traps, but also other, desirable, beneficial insects.
herbal solutions and herbal manure
In addition to planting herbs, herbal solutions also help to get rid of the little pests.
For such a herbal solution are suitable:
- marjoram
- thyme
- tansy
- yarrow
Marjoram, Origanum majorana
For the herbal solution, add 40 grams of one of the herbs to a liter of water. After that, put the herbal solution on the ant trail. Herb manure also drives away the pests with their smell. Nettle or wormwood manure are best for getting rid of the insects. When using it, however, it should be noted that this liquid manure also smells unpleasant to humans.
Biological means
water
Water from the garden hose or watering can also helps get rid of the pests. If planting permits, water the ant nest twice a day for several days. So the pests think they haven't chosen a good location and move.
connected water hose
cornmeal
Cornmeal cannot be digested by the pests. Eat it, die.
coffee grounds
The effect and nature of the effects of coffee grounds is controversial. The smell is supposed to drive away the pests. Others believe that the caffeine is toxic to the insects and will kill them.
baking powder
The effect of baking powder against the little pests is controversial. While some swear by it, others consider baking powder unreliable. What is certain is that the insects will not eat the baking soda, but the baking soda will kill the ants. Because if you come into contact with the alkaline baking soda, then the animals die from chemical burns.
Baking soda as a home remedy
baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is commercially available under the name Natron. To attract the insects, mix it with sugar.
Tip: For baking soda to be effective, it must contain sodium bicarbonate. If it contains potassium hydrogen carbonate, it is harmless to the ant colony.
Boiling water
A last resort for getting rid of ants is pouring boiling water onto the raised bed. Note that you not only kill the ants, but also destroy the plants in the bed.
fight ants
Chemical Mace
The use of chemical agents is usually extremely successful. However, since you are bringing substances into the soil with the use that can also be harmful to human health, they should only be used as a last resort, since the toxins are absorbed by the crops and thus into the human body. Also, keep in mind that chemical agents are not only toxic to ants, but other animals and insects as well.