Black ants
are harmful to gardens only sometimes.
Black ants, of which there are several varieties, often build their homes in shady places, such as beneath plants in a garden. Whether they are a threat to the garden depends on a number of things, such as the type of garden, the size of the nest and nearby food sources. Does this Spark an idea?
Benefits
Black ants can actually improve your garden in some instances. Their presence and tunnel-building skills aerate the soil and improve the levels of organic material in it. Black ants also eat and defend against some other pests.
Potential Risks
Ants make their homes in all sorts of places. While their tunneling is good for the soil in general, it can be problematic if the ants choose to tunnel through the roots of plants.
Attraction
Ants are drawn to both moisture and sweet substances, depending on the variety of ant. If they have an adequate supply of both, they tend to leave the garden alone. Otherwise, they forage. Stressed plants, such as tomatoes with split fruit, may invite ants in because of their moisture. Gardens which lie under trees that drip sweet sap may be in danger, as ants may injure plants while collecting the tree's sap.
Tags: Black ants, their homes