Cats and Ants

83laurablack

Hi All,
I know there is a huge difference between cats and ants but in the front I have gravel with the dreaded Horsetail growing in it but using a tip from a local gardener. My questions are how do I stop the local cats using it as a giant litter tray?
And in the back garden have a flower and veg patches that have an abundance of black ants, how do i deal with these safley and still be able to eat the produce? 

Fairygirl

First question - you can't, unless you plant it with loads of evergreen groundcover
Second question  - thoroughly soak the area and they will move on, but you may need to do it a few times. They like dry conditions,  and while they don't really  harm anything you want to eat, they might undermine the plants themselves as they can create pockets and holes under the roots. 

mj10364

I also have problems with cats using my front & back garden as a giant litter tray - I have found putting obstacles in their way helps - such as small pots with plants in or cuttings from plants, I read they dont like the feel of it. As for ants, I've used white vinegar - I read that the smell of it is supposed to confuse their sense of direction.

Fairygirl

Doesn't stop them [cats] here - sorry.
The only thing that works is a water scarecrow, but I doubt that could be used in the OP's circumstances. 

februarysgirl

I'm having gravel and asked one of the companies I'm considering about the cat issue. Their advice was that large slate chippings were best as they don't like the feel of it on their paws. I have had some for about 12 years and they've never once used it, unlike just about everywhere else The next best thing they advised (and what I'm having) is large angular gravel.

KT53

I replaced my front lawn for the same reason and have large angular gravel.  No cat crap problems since it was laid a few years ago.

Fairygirl

Yes - large rough gravel is best. Slate would be ok, although it harbours lots of slugs here, so I'd be wary if you have nearby planting that might be susceptible 

Nanny Beach

Fairy they (ants) have killed 2 of my asparagus, stems were white dry stick, Hubby had a root around there was an ants nest under these 2

Fairygirl

That's really the only damage. When they undermine plant roots, and why a good soaking can help move them on
It's why we don't get any bother with them here 

Hostafan1

that's at leas one more £1 for me

Hostafan1

I'd like to see cats reclassified as vermin