Assault on a hill
To kill ants, dust the ant hill with a proprietary Ant Killer, following the manufacturer's instructions. During showery weather, repeat the application when necessary.
A good side
Although ants loosen the soil round young plants and offer shelter and protection to aphids, they can be beneficial in heavy soils. Their burrowing activities help to aerate the soil and improve drainage.
Ant colonies range from simple groups of a few insects to complex nests of millions. They do harm but also good in the garden.
- There are more than 40 species of ants in Britain
- If wood ants are threatened, they exude formic acid, an irritant to predators and humans.
- Most ants in Britain 'herd' aphids which excrete a food source called honeydew.
- Ants may protect aphid eggs during the winter, then place them on plants to hatch in spring
