Spiders and Ants in the Vegetable Garden: Friend or Foe?

Spiders are overwhelmingly beneficial in the garden, preying on aphids, small caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests. Encourage them by mulching with wheat straw, which provides ideal habitat.

Ants: Mostly Harmless

Ants rarely damage vegetable plants. If control is desired, sprinkle ant bait (e.g., Amdro or Over ’n Out) around the garden perimeter—ants carry it back to the nest. Avoid spraying insecticides broadly, which harms beneficial insects.

Grits Myth

Dry grits do not control ants effectively. Save them for breakfast instead.

Embrace spiders as allies; tolerate ants unless they become a nuisance.