Garden ants, also known as black ants or pavement ants, are a common sight in many gardens. While they do serve a purpose in the ecosystem as decomposers, they are also considered a pest species because of their tendency to invade homes and gardens.
One of the main issues with garden ants is their ability to form large colonies. These colonies can contain thousands of ants, which means that they can quickly become a problem if they invade a garden or home. The ants are particularly attracted to sweet and fatty foods, so they will often be found in kitchens and pantries searching for scraps.
Garden ants can also cause damage to plants, particularly if they are nesting near the roots. They will tunnel through the soil, disrupting the roots and making it difficult for plants to uptake water and nutrients. This can cause the plants to become stunted or even die.
Another issue with garden ants is their ability to protect other pest species. They have been known to herd and protect aphids, which are a common garden pest. The ants will actually defend the aphids, which can lead to increased damage to plants. Overall, while garden ants may seem harmless at first, they can quickly become a problem if they invade a garden or home.
It is important to take steps to control their populations and protect your plants and food from damage.