Ants feed on a large range of foods, from engine oil at the side of a road, to other ant species. Most ant species are omnivorous and eat seeds, nectar, and other invertebrates. Army ants are carnivorous, they hunt, kill and eat prey such as worms, spiders and even sometimes small vertebrates like lizards.
In this manner, do ants cause damage to plants?
The good and bad news about ants and plants. Their tunnels aerate the soil and allow water and nutrients to flow directly to the plant roots. They also distribute seeds by storing them in their tunnels. The bad news is that ants can protect honeydew-producing, sucking insects that do a great deal of damage.
Are ants good or bad for the garden?
Garden ants can actually be beneficial in the vegetable garden – they act as pollinators by crawling around from bloom to bloom looking for nectar, and they can kill off harmful caterpillars. The ants will also protect the aphids from predators.
How do you get rid of ants on plants?
Getting Rid of Ants in Container Plants Naturally
- Ants don't like citrus.
- To make a more heavy-duty citrus repellent, boil the rinds of half a dozen oranges in water for fifteen minutes.
- Make your own soap solution with 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in 1 pint of warm water.