Black Ants next to my peas. A problem?

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Bodmass

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Black Ants next to my peas. A problem?
« on: April 02, 2012, 20:04 »
Planted a little kelvedon Wonder & Sugar Snap on Sunday.  Popped down to put up some netting alongside them today & noticed masses of black ants in that corner of the plot.  The first row are close to a paving slab path dividing me from my neighbour & I'm guessing that's where they've based themselves.

Is this going to be a problem? If so what should I do about them?

I only got the plot in the winter & don't know how established they are there.

(If there's more of them along the path they'll be next to mixed lettuce & spring onions too)
Toiling through 100sq metres of clay - And I don't actually eat much veg!

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mattwragg94

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Re: Black Ants next to my peas. A problem?
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2012, 14:41 »
i dont think they should be too much of a problem, although if you notice they are damaging the plants you could put some powder down.

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sunshineband

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Re: Black Ants next to my peas. A problem?
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2012, 16:44 »
Ants themselves don't damage the plants -- it is their nests that cause issues for the roots, as they are so loose and air filled, so roots can't take up enough water.

Ants do also (later in the year) like aphids and so run up and down plants that are infested, to collect excreted sap.

So, just looksee if either of these aspects will be an issue for you
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chriscross1966

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Re: Black Ants next to my peas. A problem?
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2012, 23:31 »
I find that most aphid issues in my GH adn on my plot are caused mostly by black ants farming the blighters on my plants... I put down those ant bait stations (and made some DIY ones out of cut-down yoghurt pots)... end result was almost clean broad beans and greenhouse, no infestation anywhere...plus the only things that will go in there (pretty much) are ants, so probably a bit nicer for the rest of the soil organisms than powder (though I've been known to use it if I find a nest I'll admit)


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