Mint As An Ant Control & White Filaments In Soil

Question:

  I have been told you can get rid of ants by planting mint. Is there any truth to this?

Answer:

  • This one of those may be the answer.
  • Studies have shown that certain mint oils, particularly peppermint, possess properties that can discourage ants from invading a space.
    • The overwhelming scent of mint can confuse ants, making it challenging to follow established trails or communicate effectively within their colonies.
    • While peppermint oil primarily acts as a repellent rather than a lethal agent, it can significantly reduce ant activity in treated areas.
    • However, the oils are water soluble, so water like rain would shorten the residual time during the rainy season.
    • The constant reapplication would soon become tedious.
  •  There are challenges in planting mint plants as there is no information on the spacing to form an effective barrier and how to protect the 'Hardscape" driveways, decks, and patios. Another issue is that mint plants are hard to control and can become invasive in open ground.
  • In the garden, ants do little to no damage to plants. They do ferry Aphids as the Aphid section is a food source.
  • You can control them safely inside with the following non-toxic receipt: ]
    • Mix three cups of water, one cup of sugar, and four teaspoons of Boric Acid and heat the mixture nearly to a boil. After it has cooled, pour the mixture into a shallow receptacle and place it near the ant flow.
    • Boric Acid is a colorless, odorless white powder soluble in water. It has been used for pest control for at least the past century. It has low toxicity to humans and other mammals and is not known to be a carcinogen.

Question:

I've been amending the soil in an old apartment complex. I run into a network of white spaghetti-like stuff whenever I dig down more than two or three inches. Earthworms seem to love it, and I often find them breeding in it. It also invades healthy root systems, stealing nutrients and stunting plant growth. What is this, and how can I get rid of it?

Answer:

  • Discovering a white fungus growing in many of our soils is not unusual. Because of our organic-based soil amendments, we often see the fungus covering or intertwining through soil particles.
    • Also, we find it where there are decaying roots, underground stumps from a dead tree, or leftover debris from a recent construction project.
  • The fungus forms to break down or compost the organic matter. This fungus never attacks living tissue.
  • However, there is one that does kill plants. It is called Oak Root Fungus. Oak Root Fungus spreads through the soil, attacking healthy plants and causing them to die. We have no controls for this problem other than planting resistant plants.
  • However, there is a very low probability that this is what you have.