Many people are noticing increased ant activity right now, as the insects emerge after overwintering. According to an expert, Kuiper, ants have been inactive underground for some time and are now seeking food sources. Later in the spring and summer, ants will engage in what is known as a “bruidsvlucht,” or nuptial flight – their reproductive period, during which new colonies are established by new queens and male ants.
Ant Diversity in the Netherlands
The national biodiversity research institute, Naturalis, reports that there are 100 species of ants in the Netherlands. However, some species are more easily observed than others. The black garden ant and the black seed ant are commonly seen, while others spend almost their entire lives underground.
Limited Harm, Potential Issues
Ants are not considered harmful animals and, like other insects, have beneficial properties. They are effective at cleaning up waste, including dead snails and earthworms. While encountering ants in the garden is generally acceptable, a large infestation can be undesirable.
Although ants don’t directly harm plants, they can contribute to aphid infestations. Ants “milk” aphids for the honeydew they produce, ensuring their continued survival. Red ants can be a nuisance due to their ability to sting and bite, which, while usually not dangerous, can be painful, especially for children or those walking barefoot.
Temporary Solutions Offer Limited Relief
Some suggest using sidewalk chalk to deter ants, as they avoid crossing it. However, Kuiper explains that this is not a long-term solution. “In practice, they walk around it. And if they can’t go any other way, they just walk over it. You don’t address the cause with this method.” Similarly, home remedies like copper coins or coffee grounds are unlikely to be effective, as a professional pest controller would not rely on them.
Long-Term Control and Coexistence
A more effective long-term strategy is to make your home unattractive to ants. Kuiper advises cleaning up spills and securely storing food, as well as cleaning the trails ants use to uncover resources. Another approach involves using nematodes, microscopic worms that infect ant nests with a fatal bacteria. Alternatively, nests can be flooded with boiling water, though this may require repeated applications to kill the queen.
In some cases, nests of species like the red wood ant, which build above-ground nests, can be moved. However, relocating most ant nests is impractical, as the ants will likely return if the new location is unsuitable. Kuiper notes that people often desire complete control over their gardens, which is unrealistic. “We must coexist with plants and animals. We cannot simply appropriate a piece of land and expect nature to accept that.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ants to become more visible at this time of year?
Ants have overwintered and are now emerging to search for food sources after a period of inactivity underground.
Can ants harm my plants?
Ants do not directly harm plants, but they can contribute to aphid infestations by protecting and “milking” them for honeydew.
Are there effective ways to gain rid of ants?
Making your home unattractive to ants by cleaning up food sources and trails, using nematodes, or flooding the nest with boiling water are potential solutions.
Given the variety of ant species and their adaptability, how might homeowners best approach managing ant populations in their gardens and homes?
