Ants

Dinahsb · April 19, 2016

I have ants in three of my containers. Can anyone help me figure out how to get rid of them?Three of my tomatoes were partially eaten. I found ants inside of one. The tomatoes were close to the soil. Any ideas?

dmforcier · April 19, 2016

I wouldn't worry about them. They don't damage the plants. Something else took a bite and the ants are opportunists. Treatment can do worse damage than the ants. With our rain, they've probably moved up into the plants to stay dry and will leave shortly, especially if the pots get hot in the sun.

OTOH, if they are fire ants. KILL THEM ALL. NUKE 'EM. Let the devil sort them out!!!

<counting ten>

Dinahsb · April 19, 2016

Ha! I don't think they are fire ants. Thanks for the information.

MikeInCypress · April 19, 2016

I was just going to ask how to get rid of ant mounds in my raised bed. They are all around one of my Cuke hills.

MikeInCypress

dmforcier · April 19, 2016

Ant "mounds" are probably fire ants. Do you know about fire ants?

I've had some luck with Amdro. Don't be careless how you apply it. Follow the directions. And don't believe that the mound is actually dead.

MissS · April 19, 2016

If your containers are not on the grass you could put some Borax around the base of your planters. It is toxic to the ants. They will get it on their feet and bring it to the nest. It's even better if your ants like sugar. Add some sugar to the borax and it will work rather quickly.

I doubt that it was the ants that ate your tomato. Maybe a mouse, rabbit, squirrel or other type of rodent.

April 19, 2016	#1
Dinahsb Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 28	Ants I have ants in three of my containers. Can anyone help me figure out how to get rid of them?Three of my tomatoes were partially eaten. I found ants inside of one. The tomatoes were close to the soil. Any ideas?

April 19, 2016	#2
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	I wouldn't worry about them. They don't damage the plants. Something else took a bite and the ants are opportunists. Treatment can do worse damage than the ants. With our rain, they've probably moved up into the plants to stay dry and will leave shortly, especially if the pots get hot in the sun. OTOH, if they are fire ants. KILL THEM ALL. NUKE 'EM. Let the devil sort them out!!! <counting ten> __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

April 19, 2016	#4
MikeInCypress Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 963	I was just going to ask how to get rid of ant mounds in my raised bed. They are all around one of my Cuke hills. MikeInCypress __________________ "Growing older, not up"

April 19, 2016	#5
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	Ant "mounds" are probably fire ants. Do you know about fire ants? I've had some luck with Amdro. Don't be careless how you apply it. Follow the directions. And don't believe that the mound is actually dead. __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

April 19, 2016	#6
MissS Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 3,146	If your containers are not on the grass you could put some Borax around the base of your planters. It is toxic to the ants. They will get it on their feet and bring it to the nest. It's even better if your ants like sugar. Add some sugar to the borax and it will work rather quickly. I doubt that it was the ants that ate your tomato. Maybe a mouse, rabbit, squirrel or other type of rodent. __________________ ~ Patti ~