Fermentation Support Forum

Hello,

I just started making a ginger beer plant and after about 4-5 days found small black ants in it. The plant is effervescent, so it appears they did not effect the fermentation process. Can I still use this plant? Will the ants have any negative effect on the plant?

Thanks for any feedback.

I would just let the ants have their sip and not worry about them. They're probably doing no harm to your ferment. Flies or other critters that might lay eggs in it are another matter. Is your ferment covered with something like cheesecloth?

Hey Tim,

Thanks for your help. Yes, I do have a couple of layers of cheesecloth secured to the top of the jar by a rubber-band. I left in on a window sill and only noticed the ants when I found about a dozen floating in the plant. I have since moved it and have had no more ant problems but still have dead ants in it. I just wanted to be sure they wouldn't bring any thing unwanted or potential harmful to the ferment.