Major Problem With Ants

Question

I live on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, tropical climate, exotic flowers. My garden has been overtaken by ants of all types, first leaf cutters– horendous, but seem to have gotten rid of them, then various non-aggressive types. But for some time now red ones, about 1 cm long, have begun making nests under the centers of plants, digging the dirt up into a hill easily 2 feet above ground level. You can’t hardly see some of the plants! I have used all locally available options; the most favored were granules placed into the nest, but all that happens is they relocate a few feet away. One area has “Luz de Bengal, ” which has several shoots per plant and is so infested that I feel I may have to dig up all the plants. I would REALLY appreciate your help!

Answer 1

Ants can become a problem, and it sounds as if you may be dealing with fire ants (the red ones) at this time. There are numerous types but all can usually be dealt with the same way. These articles should help you with your battle: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-ants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/keeping-ants-of-flowering-vines-vegetables-and-flowers.htm

Answer 2

Try Eucalyptus oil, you can add it to water and spray it. While I do not know if it will harm any of your plants I do know that the majority of insects are repelled by Menthol