Although ants are not often considered deadly pests, they may seriously harm turf grass’s appearance and health. The importance of controlling ants in the lawn increases when their hill-building results in unattractive mounds and root damage to the grass. In grass root systems, these colony insects establish themselves in vast numbers and create complicated labyrinths. Ant mounds in the grass might be dangerous for pedestrians and mower blades. Understanding these insects’ preferred soil types and locations can help you manage ants in lawns. It would be beneficial if you also tried to destroy their nests.
Lawn Care and Ant Hills
Ant populations create hills and mounds, but these interesting insects also have other problems. To maintain a nearby supply of honeydew, many species also show an interest in ranching and will “farm” mealybugs and aphids by providing for their daily requirements.
Aphids and mealybugs emit a fluid called honeydew, which ants consider delectable. Since mealybugs and aphids like to eat vegetables and decorative plants, having a colony of agricultural ants might cause serious problems for your plants. Keeping ants under control in the yard is a smart approach to reduce the number of these pesky insects.
Ants seek a low-traffic, undisturbed region with dry, well-drained soil. Because these ants don’t sting, lawn-dwelling ants are often not a problem. However, certain species have a penchant for damaging grassroots, which may result in significant dead patches in the lawn.
Ant hills in the grass are another problem since they may grow enormous, provide a tripping risk, and be hard to mow. Raking will be a frequent grass care and ant hill management procedure in areas with low populations. Raking the hills will disperse the population and prevent the formation of cemented mounds. Weekly use of this easy procedure from autumn through summer is beneficial.
How to Naturally Get Rid of Ants in Lawns
Since ants live in social societies that may range in size from a few inches (8 cm) to several feet across, populations and the issues they cause will differ. It is necessary to take action to get rid of the insects if one of the large groups has been established in your grass.
Eliminating ants on your lawn might be difficult since kids, dogs, and others utilize them for play and garden paths. A 3 percent dish soap and water solution may be used as a spray on an affected area.
Diatomaceous earth and a spray made of borax and sugar water are potential therapies. Unless the infestation is problematic, the best solution is to coexist with these helpful insects. The majority of ants consume insect larvae that they discover at the grassroots. The grass lover benefits from this situation.
Using Chemicals to Get Rid of Ants on Your Lawn
Spot management is the best method for getting rid of ants. Spot application isolates the chemical zone and lessens harm to beneficial insects living in the grass since they prefer to assemble in a limited area.
Use granular or spray forms, as appropriate. Determine where the nest is and use the chemical as directed on the label. The best action is to rinse after applying the chemical since granular forms must be activated with water. In all circumstances, avoid bringing children or pets into a treated area until it has dried.
Ants may be both a gift and a burden, so weigh the severity of the issue before using chemical remedies. They operate as wild aerators to break up the soil surrounding roots and promote development. Their activity is also a natural insect control and may thicken the soil.