Re: ants and mulch

The ants probably came from your own yard and just moved into dry quarters. They'll probably disperse since their queen and the rest of the colony will be disturbed by your spreading it. Not only will they be disoriented, but they'll also be prey for every other ant on your property.
Some aggressive and territorial snakes, such as Black Racers, are extremely beneficial. They chase Copperheads and other nasties out of your yard. And one of the most passive snakes, the Copperhead, can do a nasty. 

d
----- Original Message ----- From: "Donna" <gossiper@sbcglobal.net> 
To: "gardenchat list" <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 3:40 PM
Subject: [CHAT] ants and mulch



Geesh- it is always something!

I bought some mulch awhile back- bagged kind that I always have used for
years. When I opened to spread around today, I found it has a zillion
ants in it! Just those small annoying ones, but now what do I do? I
didn't realize it at first since they obviously where at the bottom half
of the bag....Now I have ants everywhere! Guessing I will have to spray
for them, since this bed happens to be next to the house...


But what am I going to do with 15 bags of ant mulch? How much damage
will they do to plants if I use only on the beds far from the house?
Should I spray them.. gosh, I hate using chemicals and actually have to
go to the store to buy some ant spray.


It hasn't been a good wildlife gardening day... had a stand off with a
snake earlier....dang thing was going to bite me.. so next time I see
it, it is a gonner... passive snakes are allowed to live here, others
are not!


Donna


---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index