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Do Ants Eat Soil?

Ants burrow through soil and create anthills, but do they eat it, too?
A small anthill made of dirt sits surrounded by grass on a patch of bare ground. Flies buzz around its circular opening at the top, as if drawn to the cone-shaped structure's mysterious allure.

If you thought ants only wreaked havoc indoors, think again. Many plant owners and gardeners have a love-hate relationship with these potentially destructive insects. Learn more about whether you should ignore or eliminate the problem of ants in the soil of your potted plants or garden.

Ants in Soil

Most gardeners have come across ants in the soil at some point in time. Whether you find ants in the soil of potted plants or in your garden, you probably wonder if they’re doing major damage. So, do ants eat soil? No. Ants burrow in soil, and they use it to help build their nests. Some say black ants in soil can be beneficial because they eat insects and plant mold. However, while black ants won’t harm your plants, fire ants will.

Ants in the Soil of Potted Plants

Not only should you get rid of ants to protect your potted plants, but bringing these plants indoors could be the start of a real problem. Once ants signal to the rest of the colony that they’ve found a great place to stay, it’s difficult to get rid of them on your own. Don’t let your outdoor ant issue spread to the inside of your home.

How to Get rid of Ants in the Garden Soil

The downside of most ants in the soil of potted plants or gardens is that they also protect aphids as part of a symbiotic relationship in which aphids aid in feeding ants. Aphids are definitely not a gardener’s friend, but ants love feeding on their insect honeydew, a sweet, nutrient-packed secretion. Getting rid of ants in the garden soil with DIY methods isn’t always easy or effective, and you may be overlooking an infestation indoors. Call for professional pest control to ensure that the problem doesn’t worsen.

Get Ant Control from PURCOR

Whether you’re new to the world of gardening or boast a well-seasoned green thumb, protecting your plants from ants is a must. From finding the answer to the question, “Do ants eat soil?” to learning how to get rid of ants in the garden soil, we hope to arm you with the information you need to shield your plants from ants. While there are some benefits to having certain types of ants in the soil, the downsides outweigh the positives. If you’ve come across these insects in your plants or garden, contact PURCOR right away for a free quote. Our knowledgeable technicians across our service areas will safely eliminate outdoor infestations and prevent them from spreading indoors.

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