permaculture

[Dieter Brand <diebrand@yahoo.com>]

Ants can be an awful nuisance; however, most types are not 
  considered to be a pest.  In fact, they are part of the ecosystem
  in which they perform numerous functions, many of which 
  we may not even be aware of.
   
  They do a good job of cleaning up and remove all kinds of
  larvae and eggs that might otherwise turn into a pest.  They
  also provide nutrients and minerals to plants.
   
  Trying to eradicate a tribe of ants can have disastrous 
  consequences.  For example, an abandoned ant hill can
  be an ideal breading ground for slugs, providing them with
  free shelter and food.
   
  Hence, rather than eradication, the aim should be to limit
  access to ants where one doesn't want them.  For example
  sticky rings can be attached to fruit trees so as to prevent
  ants from nurturing aphides.
   
  Dieter Brand
  Portugal
   

       
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