Thanks for the question.

Dealing with ants in gardens can be frustrating. To the extent that you can, it might be best to reduce their presence before planting your herbs. There are some benefits conferred by ants such as aeration of the soil. On the other hand they can nibble on plant roots. Moreover any nests that they build may interfere with plant growth. Although it may be difficult to completely remove them, there are certain things you can attempt:

1). There are various natural substances that ant dislike and can help deter them. For example, you can sprinkle cinnamon, coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, or powdered charcoal around the garden to create barriers. Ants also tend to avoid certain herbs such as mint, lavender, or sage.  Be sure to include these in your garden.

2). There are reports that diatomaceous earth can reduce ant populations. When ants come into contact with it, the sharp particles in it damage their exoskeletons. Sprinkle this around any ant hills that may appear.

3). If ant hills are present try pouring boiling water on it. This may have to be repeated several times. In so doing you will be attempting to kill the queen.

4). Bait stations can be purchased at many gardening centers. Place these by areas where you’ve seen ant activity. Ants will be attracted to the bait and carry it back to their colony, eventually eliminating the entire colony.

5). If all else fails, consider soliciting the services of a professional pest exterminator.

See the following for information on these and related points:

https://www.towergarden.com/blog.read.html/en/2017/6/control-ants-in-the-garden.html

https://www.towergarden.com/blog.read.html/en/2017/6/control-ants-in-the-garden.html - :~:text=Ants Support a Healthy Ecosystem,dead insects, thereby fertilizing plants.

https://www.floridayards.org/get-rid-of-ants-in-the-garden-soil/

https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/08/14/garden-how-to-deal-with-ants-in-your-plants/ - :~:text=Aside from their tendency to,protect other damaging garden pests.

https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants

https://getbusygardening.com/garden-ants-friends-or-foes/ - :~:text=While it's normal to have,like aphids feed on them.

Good luck!! Thanks for using our forum.