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I am new here, so I hope I can get some help...
I live in the northeastern suburbs. I have about a half acre, our backyard is mostly sandy soil. There is grass there but mostly weeds--and wild strawberry weeds. Because the soil is sandy there are a lot of ants. Red small ones-- I dont know if they bite or not.
I have two girls one is ten yrs old and the other is 18 mos. My daugher ( 10yr old) and I decided that we would do a garden. The gal across the street from us told me to just till our soil and put composte on top of it and just plant our garden, she said the composte i s"black gold".
So last weekend ( Memorial weekend) my daughter and I hand tilled a 12X6 foot area. We pulled the grass/weeds with our own hands. Then my husband and I went to the composte site filled the truck and emptied it. We then got a fence-he put that up--then the big day my daughter and I planted plants and some seeds.
She and I both are so PUMPED!!!! yesterday I went to check on the plants and seeds to see what is what. I was horrified--there are ant hills everywhere. I wrecked them with my feet but I did notice that there everywhere--- on the plants everywhere.
I dont know that they will do any damage now but when the fruits or veggies come I am sure they will dine well.
Can anyone help??? I dont know what to do. I know I have to get rid of them but I do not want to hurt our veggies or fruits.... can anyone help??
I live in minnesota just incase you need to know that for more information......
distressed mother and worried daughter
Answer:
I don't happen to have the same ant problem (that I am aware of at least ) so I don't have any "first hand" advice. I did, however, find some information that may be helpful to you.
First of all not knowing what kind of ants they are it's hard to say what will work, but from the description it sounds like they may be some type of fire ant (just the regular one...not the imported one). . Wikpedia says "A typical fire ant colony produces large mounds in open areas, and feeds mostly on young plants, seeds, and sometimes crickets". Does that sound like it??
Ok - so now some solutions. Here are some pages that I think would be most helpful. I can't guarantee any of these will work, but its a start If none of these solutions seem to be for you, I would check with the local greenhouse in the area for ideas. They may have both organic and chemical solutions.
HTH
Answer:
The best advice I have is to go to a NURSERY. The people there work hands on, and they almost always know their stuff! They also don't mind answering your questions....whether you buy from them or not. This is their way of life, so to speak, and they like to share!! (My grandfather was one of them, so I got this knowledge firsthand!)
Answer:
do u drink coffee? most ants don't like coffee grounds. ask neighbors as well b/c u will need alot to cover that kind of area. that is the only experienc I have with ants. since u planted not sure if there is anything u can do about chemicals. I agree go to nursery and ask. or check out
u can even post a questin and they will post answer. helpful to include pics.
allgirls
Answer:
I know what you mean about the sandy dirt and ants. I live in White Bear Lake. Although, I don't have the ants in my gardens, I have ants all over my yard. We have to actually put chemicals out every summer to get rid of them. I know there are some garden nurseries in your area, you can go and ask them. There is one that you go Hwy 61, then East on 170th. Towards Down on the Farm. They grow everything right there and the lady is very knowlegable about it. Good luck to you!