QuestionI just read an article from 11/18/2006 by Charlotte B. answering a question from a gentleman asking how to deal with sand spurs. She suggested the organic approach of enriching the soil by adding sugar to the soil in the spring and fall, at a rate of 1 to 5 pounds per 1,000 sq.ft then watering it in well.
My question is since we live in central Florida is this going to attract more ants and/or other bugs/wildlife to our yard. We already have a fair amount of ants and other beetles to contend with, which we have used some chemicals on. We do prefer the organic approach. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerHi Randy,
Charlotte and I do have to part ways on this one. Sugar will attract bugs, and that's about it.
The organic approach and movement is very well intended and inspired, BUT it also encourages the tendency to embrace anything organic as a new miracle cure. Just because something is all natural does not mean it is beneficial or positive. For example, nicotine is an unbelievably powerful and highly toxic insecticide. It is also 100% natural. You could shred up chewing tobacco, soak it in water to make a tea and spray the liquid out over the lawn to control insects. That is a 100% natural, organic approach that is far more toxic and dangerous than using almost any commercially available insecticide.
The theory behind the sugar thing is that you'll be encouraging microbial activity which is great. Unfortunately, those microbes far prefer things like natural compost, manure, etc. It would be like if you sat down at a fine restaurant and were brought a bowl full of pop rocks as your entree. A small handful as a fun treat once in a blue moon is fine, but do you really want that as a meal?
If you want to try the sugar, go for it. It won't cause any major problems. Just don't have high expectations for the results.
Good luck.
-C.J. Brown
www.Thelawncoach.com
