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Applying oil to tomatoes disappears ants, experienced dairy farmers reveal their secret remedy

Springtime presents not just delight for gardeners, but also a fierce battle against pests. A stream of ants, resembling black rivers, infiltrate greenhouses, posing a threat to potentially cause destruction.

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2 min read
Spring signifies more than just delight for gardeners; it commences a fierce struggle against...
Spring signifies more than just delight for gardeners; it commences a fierce struggle against pests. Similar to relentless rivers, ants surge into greenhouses, posing a severe threat that could Lead to their destruction.

Applying oil to tomatoes disappears ants, experienced dairy farmers reveal their secret remedy

Gardeners, Gear Up for the Spring Ant Siege

Spring isn't just about blooming flowers and vibrant colors for green thumbs. It's also the beginning of a silent war against unwanted guests – ants. These tiny invaders swarm greenhouses, threatening to turn your lush garden into a desert.

The conventional ant-control methods, however, often offer short-term solutions. They mainly kill adult ants, while the eggs hidden underground hatch new generations in just a fortnight. And, using chemicals can introduce toxic substances into the soil and even vegetables. According to a source, such chemicals can negatively impact your soil and produce.

So, how do we outsmart these industrious yet destructive insects? The answer lies in preparation and strategic timing. Start your battle when the air temperature reaches +18...+20 degrees, as ants are most active at this time. It's best to launch the assault early in the morning when the sun isn't too intense, and the air isn't too hot.

Here's a handy tip: Stop watering a day before the treatment. A dry soil allows the solution to penetrate deeper, reaching the ant nests themselves. Mark the ant-infested areas around your garden for precise targeting.

To concoct an economical and powerful ant-fighting concoction, you'll need:

  • 200g of sifted wood ash,
  • 100g of baking soda,
  • 3 liters of water,
  • 50ml of vegetable oil.

Each component plays a crucial role: ash damages the ant's protective shield, soda disrupts their breathing, and oil hinders their movement and escape. Plus, this mixture is completely safe for your plants.

Let's get to brewing the solution:

  1. In a large container, blend the ash and soda together.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, and carefully add the vegetable oil into it.
  3. Step by step, pour the hot oily solution into the ash-soda mixture, stirring thoroughly.
  4. Allow the mixture to rest for about an hour.

Before commencing the treatment, shield your plants with a cloth to safeguard them from the solution. First, treat the main ant holes. Pour 100-150ml of the solution into each hole. The ants will soon go into panic mode, attempting to rescue their offspring. Redo the treatment the following day, adding another 100ml of solution to each hole. Within a day, the result will be undeniable: the mixture seeps deep into ant tunnels, annihilating the pests, according to the source.

[1] Use a small amount of water or hot water to loosen the paste-like mixture for better application.[2] Do not overuse wood ash or baking soda as it may alter the soil pH too much.[3] Exercise caution when working with hot water to avoid burns and harm to plants.[4] Use essential oils like orange oil or dish soap to enhance the mixture’s effectiveness, but ensure to use them sparingly to prevent damaging plants.

  1. In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, it's important to consider the effects of chemicals on the soil and produce while dealing with garden pests like ants.
  2. When aiming to create a healthier and sustainable lifestyle in your home-and-garden, opt for natural solutions for pest control, such as the DIY ant-fighting concoction made from wood ash, baking soda, water, and vegetable oil.
  3. For those interested in fitness-and-exercise and} nutrition, maintaining a lush garden through such methods promotes a holistic approach to wellness while ensuring you have homegrown produce free from harmful substances.
  4. By incorporating gardening into your lifestyle, you not only cultivate a personal haven for relaxation and enjoyment but also contribute to the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.

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