Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Ants

Carol writes~ We live in Maryland and have about an acre of land on which our house sits. While strolling through the yard the other day, we noticed that the entire yard is infested with ants! There are ant hills everywhere! They look to be different varieties (small black and large black). Can you suggest something to get rid of them, as we are on a well and do not want to put poison on the yard, plus we have a cat. The large black ants have quite a colony with large holes. I've never seen anything like it.

A. What a huge problem, coupled with the well water and the cat! You cannot use any pesticide of course. I suggest using a natural, organic compound in baits and traps.

CBPA-L is a nontoxic, environmentally friendly product that decomposes insect larvae. It is recommended for use against most insects including mosquitoes, ants, diamond back moths, etc.

CBPA-L is a liquid, organic proprietary blend of selected natural beneficial microbes, essential nutrients and synergists formulated to decompose insect larvae. The components in CBPA-L are selected both for their effectiveness in organic waste treatment and for their ability to grow synergistically to high concentrations. CBPA-L is effective in aqueous and non-aqueous environments. CBPA-L microorganisms are unaltered microbes originally derived from the soil which utilize nonliving organic matter as a food source. The cultures are safe for the environment and are not harmful to animals, plants and humans.

CBPA-L creates a poor breeding substrate for flies, insects and other pests by decomposing their larvae. It is important to note however that CBPA-L does not kill flies and pests - it simply decomposes the larvae thereby preventing or reducing propagation.

CBPA-L is highly concentrated and must be diluted in water. Dilution Rate: Dilute CBPA-L concentrate in water at a rate of 1/100. In extreme conditions a mixture of 1/50 may be required. Spray the affected area as required.

http://ecochem.com/t_cbpa_larvex.html

Ant Control Kit

Ants can be troublesome house invaders. This kit contains 3 borax-based ant traps, an ant bait that can be applied in crevices and an instruction sheet for implementing a least toxic ant control program for your home.

$12.99

Ant Traps

Place these three self enclosed traps in the areas where ants have been congregating. The active ingredient in the trap is borax with an added food attractant. Reduction in ant populations will take several days.

3 pack $2.99

http://www.healthyhomeservices.ca/product.cfm?Room=GardenGarage&ProductID=139

Look into products on there sites, too:

www.houstontermites.com

www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit/brush/brushdec.html

www.dirtdoctor.com

www.hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2501.htm

www.houstonpestcontrol.com/animal_control.html

www.environmentalfactor.com/html/Organiclawncare.html

www.agnews.tamu.edu/stories/ENTO/Jul1599v.htm

www.fireant.tamu.edu/materials/newsletters/fatrails3.003.htm

www.cropsci.ncsu.edu/turffiles/pdfpapers/lawns2.pdf

Ouida writes~
I have ants living in some flower pot do the ants hurt the plants?

A. No, the ants are seeking moisture and possibly some organic material growing on top of the potting mix. They do not attack or eat the potted plants' leaves nor roots. Try allowing the top of the soil to dry well between waterings as this will kill off the top organisms which are attracting the ants. Also, place a bait around the pots, being careful to avoid an area where pets or children may touch it. Check your local nursery supply center and ask for a safe product for your usage. Ants are more an annoyance than a threat to the plants.