Ants

[Poppy Mole]

Just discovered an ants nest under a rock on the new rockery, will they damage my plants that I am about to plant, or should I destroy them first?
Hate killing things though.

[goodlife]

No they don't damage them..you can leave them be.
If you are going to plant next to the nest site..give the ground/planting hole thorough watering first and they move away from the wet soil and don't loosen the soil around new plant thus drying the roots out.. ;)

[Dandytown]

I have lived in my house for 4 years and never had a problem with them.  Went away for a week over easter and the buggers moved in by the front door.

I am with you poppy mole in that I dont like killing anything but I dont want them in my house.  May have to get the hhover out and relocate them.

[manicscousers]

borax and icing sugar mixed, under the cooker or washing machine
I've had a word with them, they can stay outside and be safe, once they come inside, they've had it  ;D

[Poppy Mole]

Thankfully mine are at the far end of the garden

[Vinlander]

Ants farm aphids on your plants and also farm scale insect on anything perennial (yuk).

I kill the ants with borax and icing sugar mixed 50:50 (kills the queen - most of the individual ants live out their lives normally).

Then one spray with soft soap to kill the sapsuckers and you're clear.

Better than spraying with something stronger.

[picman]

Ants can do damage if they pile their nest soil up and cover small plants , control them...