As any gardener knows, ants are a natural phenomena in the garden. Welcome, too, as according to Almanac.com they are generally considered beneficial in the garden.
- Most ants nest in the ground, digging a labyrinth of tunnels that aerate the soil and allow moisture to get to the roots of plants. They also till the soil by bringing pebbles and particles to the top
- The leaves and insects brought into the nest decay and fertilize the surrounding plants.
- Ants act as decomposers, feeding on organic waste, insects, or other dead animals.
- Even carpenter ants keep the environment clean. By making their nests in dead or diseased wood, they accelerate the decomposition process. After the ants leave, fungi and bacteria grow in the galleries and break down the lignin and cellulose on large surfaces.
- Many ants are predators and feed on insects that attack lawns and gardens, and in the process of gathering food, they often pollinate flowers and distribute seeds.
- Ants are also the source of food for many other insects, birds, and mammals so important to the ecosytem.
Above, the ants are shown feeding on aphids. A good thing! However, when they feed on YOU, not so good. Ants bites are painful and turn into unsightly blisters. So next time you’re in the garden and you come across these ravaging insects–and get in their way–don’t fret (or scream). Grab your aloe plant and slather on the gel.
It immediately soothes the pain of the bites and begins the healing process. I recently was attacked by dozens and my legs were in bad shape. Aloe was key in the beginning, but my next go-to was a topical antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin or Polysporin). The ointment significantly cut healing time, reducing the bite blisters from weeks to a matter of days. Such a relief–especially now that the weather is warm and I’m wearing shorts most days!
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