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Hi

I'm gardening with the children at the local primary school and we discovered ants farming aphids on some poppies. Fascinating to watch but the children don't want to actually garden in that area. When I pointed it out to the teacher she said that they'd been having huge problems with ants getting into the building too.

Anyway - I'd like to dissuade the ants from being there and also in the process get rid of the aphids. At least they are on the poppies and not on the veggies we're growing. Does anyone have any suggestions that will be safe to use in a garden where young children work and play?

I've heard they don't like mint, so you can plant some (in pots) or make a spray with a couple of drops of EO in some soapy water. Just don't let the kids spray each other with it.

You know you're going to come back as one in the next life Susie

Garlic water in a spray always works for getting rid of aphids for me (assuming you are doing it on a fairly small scale). Once the aphids are gone the ants will loose interest and find somewhere else to find their sugary goodness.

thank you! I'll try the mint or the garlic water for starters as the boiling water might kill the poppies too !!

cayenne pepper - to keep them away