Twenty or so years ago, I found a colony of fire ants in my tomato patch (actually, they found me). They had set up shop in the roots of a particular plant, so I chose not to try to dig them out or poison them. Two days later, I noticed the 'infested' plant was twice as big as the others, darker green, and flowering. I guessed that the ants were aerating and fertilizing my tomato, and decided to leave them alone. After a couple of weeks, they moved on to a new location.
Now I welcome ants of any kind into my garden. Their presence indicates a healthier system, happier plants, and less work for me.
Twenty or so years ago, I found a colony of fire ants in my tomato patch (actually, they found me). They had set up shop in the roots of a particular plant, so I chose not to try to dig them out or poison them. Two days later, I noticed the 'infested' plant was twice as big as the others, darker green, and flowering. I guessed that the ants were aerating and fertilizing my tomato, and decided to leave them alone. After a couple of weeks, they moved on to a new location.
Now I welcome ants of any kind into my garden. Their presence indicates a healthier system, happier plants, and less work for me.