do ants eat vegetables
Ants can and will eat virtually anything. They are omnivorous (eat both plants and animals). The most common type of ant that can destroy or ruin a vegetable garden is the red ant. These ants are also called leaf cutter ants and can invade the garden by the thousands. Many people think of larger rodents and animals as the cause of garden destruction and never think that ants could do the same damage or worse.
A good way to get rid of these ants is through a very simple step that involves ingredients that are most likely already in the home. Mix one half cup of Borax and one half cup of sugar. Place this mixture in containers around the garden. The sugar will attract the ants and they will carry the sugar and borox granules back to the colony.
If you are looking for a more humane way of getting rid of the ants, use mint. Planting mint around the garden acts as a repellent and should deterr them from coming back.
Lastly, use hot cereal such as oat meal. Oat meal, when mixed with water will expand in the stomach and in a short time can destroy a colony of ants.
Most importantly, be patient. Ants will not disappear in a day or two and it may even take a few weeks to get rid of the problem. If, after trying these methods and you are still unsuccesful, it may be necessary to seek professional help to get rid of the infestation around the garden.
