Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanana
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Ants are not necessarily dangerous to plants on their own, however, where there is an infestation of mealy bugs or aphids, one must realize that these insects are to ants what cows are to humans.
Ants protect, move around, and milk the honeydew produced by the aforementioned insects, AND they eventually eat the older non-productive insects.
Ants are blind and only "see" with their olfactory sense.
Using pesticides in or around the home may cause harm to children and pets, so keep this in mind.
If ants cannot "smell" their way into any area, they will not enter that area without a previously established ant trail.
Organic remedies such as citrus oil or particularly pine oil will keep ants away for up to a month depending on the strength of the oil.
I mix 50/50 of water and pine oil (the REAL pine oil, not some fake substitute) and spray around windows doorways and any other entry points. The ants will not cross the sprayed area because they cannot "see" through the smell of the powerful oil scent.
Boric Acid is a safe remedy when mixed 50/50 with sugar to attract the ants, and the ants will pick up the Boric Acid powdery granules bringing them into their nest. Ants die from inside of nest.
Boric Acid is considered "safe," whatever that really means, but I advise to keep children and animals away from treated areas.
Most garden centers carry Boric Acid. Just ask for it. Far cheaper than pesticides, and far SAFER!