In our garden , ants play an telling , understated role . As they tunnel through the dirt to build their nest , they ’re simultaneously providing beneficial aeration to the soil . Leaves and sprig used to construct their nests infract down and service as fertilizer for our gardens . Ants also play a vital function in balancing the ecosystem , aiding in pollination as they shlep across bloom or by being the meal for another insect or bird .
But permit ’s be good . Most of us are eager toget rid of ant in the garden . We do n’t require them go down up their colonies anywhere near our house . In addition to being an unpleasant spate in the garden , they can disturb the roots of our plants as they burrow through the grunge . They also protect aphids , which are like vampire that suck the animation out of plants . flaming ants , commonly determine in veggie gardens , like to chew on young seedlings . If you ’re look for a way to rebuff orkill ants without pesticides , consider planting thyme — and you ’ll end up with fresh herbs for your repast as an add incentive .
Thyme ( Thymus spp . ) , an evergreen herbaceous plant that go to the mint family , is easy to grow ( here’show to commence thyme from cuttings ) and is hardy to the USDA Plant hardiness geographical zone 5 through 9 . It tolerates partial shade , but is more potential to thrive and bring forth flowers — which attract the key pollinator — in full sun . you could develop it in a spate or even as a perennial ground cover .
Why ants dislike thyme
The strong scent of thyme ( specially maize thyme ) may possibly mix up the ants ' pheromone lead that serve as the ant ' communication and navigation system . Without a solid grasp on the trail , ant can recede their good sense of direction . This complicates their quest for food or the journeying back to their nest .
A2023 study print in Insectssought to empathise if carvacrol and thymol — both naturally occurring compounds found in thyme oil — could be used to deter flak pismire . Researchers found that carvacrol was most effective against cherry-red , black , and imported ardor ant , with thymol come in second place . In fact , thymol has been used as a repellent for many years , also deter mosquitoes and yield flies .
Another benefit is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has okay both of these substances as a solid food flavoring , which means that it ’s safer than many chemical substance pesticides . This is peculiarly noteworthy for gardeners who are looking for an insect repellent that is not harmful to their health or the surround . If you ’re count for other flora or herbs to repel ants or other pests , hear chrysanthemums , mint , basil , and bay .
