Herbal Ant
Repellants
We all know what diligent creatures ants
are. In the garden their nests help to ventilate the soil and prevent
acidity. They feed on insect pests like caterpillar larvae and fruit-fly
maggots. In ancient China some species were placed in citrus orchards
deliberately to attack caterpillars.
However, even if they are a fine example of hard work and diligence, ants
can be a real nuisance. They can appear out of nowhere to swarm over open
food in the kitchen. Particularly, they love the ‘dew’ excreted by aphids
and carry them from plant to plant, so they can ‘milk’ them at their
leisure.
Fortunately herbs can help to remedy the situation when the ants become a
nuisance in the garden or home. Ants dislike catnip, geranium, hyssop,
lavender, sage, southernwood, spearmint and tansy.
Placing any of these
herbs at doorways will help prevent ants from entering. Place bunches of
fresh herbs on kitchen tables and working surfaces. Dried herbs can be
placed on pantry shelves and in cupboards.
Grease bands at ground level prevent them from
climbing up plants. Back to Herb
Gardening Using Organic
Principles |
