Antiquated Activity

Many gardening journals and experts talk about "beneficials" when referring to insects, which are beneficial in the garden. These are insects that prey upon other insects that do damage in the garden. While ladybugs, preying mantis, and certain wasps are examples of "beneficials," ants are not usually on that list. They are, however, very important in their own right and place.

Ants are very similar to earthworms with respect to what they do. They naturally turn over and aerate the soil through their tunneling. They also incorporate organic materials into the soil. One of the most important roles they fill is as recyclers. Anyone who has had carpenter ants in the house, for example, knows how quickly ants will consume decomposing wood.

Ants serve as wonderful seed disbursers also. Dr. Wayne Gall from the Buffalo Museum of Science explained, "Cornell University in Ithaca recently conducted a study where they sectioned off an area of woodland. They reported that 34 species of spring wildflowers such as trout lilies and trillium were disbursed as a result of ants." Apparently, ants carry seeds into their colonies and store them for food. If left untouched too long, the seeds germinate.

Although the relationship between ants and aphids is disheartening to a gardener, it is very interesting nonetheless. Ants love sugary substances. Aphids love nicking plant stems and sucking sap. Aphids produce a sugary substance called honeydew as they suck the sap. The ants then feed on the honeydew. Knowing a meal ticket when they see one, the ants go so far as to stroke aphids in order to stimulate the flow of honeydew. Ants will also store the eggs of aphids through the winter and transfer them to new "hosts" in the spring. This ensures an ongoing honeydew supply. In an indirect way, a smart gardener would take note of ants running up and down plants as a possible indication of aphids.

There is also another scenario in which you may see ants running up and down plants and that is when peonies are involved. Peony buds have a waxy coating that must be removed before the buds will open. Ants are instrumental in the removal of that waxy coat. It is for this reason that some people will tell you not to plant peonies near your house. Just keep in mind, though, that ants will go where the food source is. Once that source is gone, whether it be peony buds or some sugary substance spilled on the kitchen floor, the ants will disappear. Some gardeners will even spray the peony buds with a weak solution of sugar & water to ensure the removal of the wax and the subsequent opening of blooms You must stop spraying as soon as you see evidence of ants. Otherwise you will create a smorgasbord. Use your discretion in dealing with ants. If you see them in your compost pile or around a tree stump that's out of the way, leave them alone. Let nature take its course.