Grace Kavule, a farmer in Janda, Zirobwe, knows the frustration of dealing with ant hills in her gardens.
She explains that the termites that thrive in these mounds often attack her maize before it even has the chance to mature.
“I have lost a lot of crops due to these termites. They eat the roots and stems, weakening the plants before they can grow properly,” she laments.
For many farmers like Kavule, ant hills are not just a nuisance but a major threat to their crops. Termites from these mounds feed on plant roots and stems, causing stunted growth and, in severe cases, total crop failure.
The key to controlling them is identifying their presence early and applying the right treatment.
Alex Kyobe, who works at NM Cleaning Services in Kawempe, advises that using the right insecticides is crucial in dealing with termite-infested ant hills.
“There are specific pesticides designed to eliminate termites without harming crops. Farmers should apply these directly into the ant hills,” he says.
Some of the recommended chemical treatments include:
Termiticides, these are available in liquid or powder form and should be poured into the ant hill.
Baiting systems, these lure termites out of the mounds and poison them gradually.
Soil treatment, applying insecticide to the soil around the affected area creates a barrier that prevents termites from returning.
While chemical control is effective, Kyobe warns against overuse, as some pesticides may harm beneficial insects or soil health.
For farmers who prefer organic methods, there are several ways to combat antills without using chemicals.
Geoffrey Natigo, a coffee farmer in Mubende, shares his experience: “I use boiling water to destroy the termite colonies. I pour it directly into the mounds, and within a few days, the activity reduces significantly.”
Other organic methods include:
Diatomaceous earth, this natural powder dehydrates and kills insects upon contact.
Neem oil and extracts, neem has anti-termite properties and can be mixed with water and sprayed around affected areas.
Introducing predators, certain birds and animals, like chickens and anteaters, naturally feed on termites and can help keep their population in check.
Another approach is physically dismantling the ant hills. Natigo explains that he sometimes digs into the mounds and removes the queen termite, which helps disrupt the colony’s structure.
“If you remove the queen, the entire colony weakens and collapses,” he notes.
To prevent termites from returning, it’s essential to maintain a healthy garden environment.
Experts recommend:
- Clearing plant debris and rotting wood from fields.
- Using mulches that deter termites, such as eucalyptus leaves.
- Applying lime to the soil to make it less hospitable for termites.
- Planting termite-repellent plants like marigolds or vetiver grass.
