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How can I stop ants nesting in my plant pots

01:00 Tue 22nd May 2001 | Home & Garden


A. You can get chemical treatments for ants, but many of us are reluctant to use them, especially if we have pets or young children. A time-honoured method of controlling ants is to pour boiling water into the nest, but even then you are unlikely to kill all the inhabitants and those that escape will simply set up shop elsewhere. Ants do not like damp soil, so if you keep your borders well watered they will probably go elsewhere.


All in all, it is probably easier just to live with them while ensuring they can't access you precious plants. One way is to literally create a moat around your containers. Although ants don't drown, they can't swim. Try standing you pots, using terracotta feet, or similar, in a shallow container that is kept topped up with water, ensuring that the foliage is clear of other plants or walls.


Q. What can you do yourself to deal with wasps

A. It is important to emphasise from the start that if you have a serious problem it is best dealt with by experts. Local authorities offer varying levels of pest control services. Some will treat the problem for free, some will charge and others will refer you to private pest control firms in your area.

Wasps nest in nooks and crannies in walls, roofs and trees and use wood and building debris to build their nests. To discourage them from nesting near the house fill in gaps or holes between brickwork, in beams and in trees.


Left untreated a single nest will produce somewhere in the region of 100 queens, who in turn, will all build individual nest after hibernating over winter. Spring therefore is the best time to destroy nests, before the queens are mature. There are sprays and powders available but for peace of mind it is usually best to call in an expert.


Q. What about bees

A. If you have a problem with bees nesting in or near the house, don't take action yourself. Bees are actually protected by law so contact your local authority first. They may well put you in touch with your local beekeeping society who will advice you on what to do or even remove the nest for you.

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By Tom Gard

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