Ants can devastate lawns and gardens.
Ants attack gardens and lawns, leaving bare, dead patches. It's not uncommon for some types of ants to build nests in the open. Eliminating ants is difficult. It hinges on killing the queen. Does this Spark an idea?
Species
Different types of ants build their nests in different places. Some prefer nesting in the spaces of rotten trees and the walls of the home, while build their nests in the cracks of concrete and on the open, flat expanses of the lawn. Determine what species is causing the problem by counting the number of bumps on their backs. If there is one bump, some of the common species include the brown Argentine ant, which nests in short, small hills, or the dark brown or black odorous house ant, easily identifiable by the smell released when crushed. Two-node ants responsible for killing grass include the pale thief ant, the reddish-brown red imported fire ant and the dark pavement ant.
Control
Bait traps are effective at killing an ant colony because the worker ants take the poisoned into the nest and share it with the rest of the ants. Insecticides and sprays applied to the foraging ants slow the problem, as the colony simply produces more ants. Bait stations are available in different forms with different types of attractants. The most effective depends on the type of ants. Reusable bait stations are effective, as they can be refilled as long as the ants keep coming. Making sure that cracks into the home are filled in and there are no other easy food sources available to the ants will helps ensure that the workers are attracted to the bait and return it to the nest.
Making sure that cracks into the home are filled in and there are no other easy food sources available to the ants will help ensure that the workers are attracted to the bait and return it to the nest.
Repair
Patch and repair the area of grass killed by the nesting ants once the colony is dead. When there are no more ants coming from the nest, scatter the nest mound throughout the area. Rake the area out with a garden rake to flatten it again. Purchase fresh topsoil and peat moss, mix them together and spread it onto the dead patches. Apply a thick coating of whatever grass seed is desired and keep the area moist.
Prevention
Preventative maintenance keeps the ants from returning. Ants will find any way into a building that they can, so caulk cracks in the home's foundation and sill in any gaps in the siding. Inside the house, keep food stored in cabinets in sealed plastic containers rather than bags or boxes and always clean up any spilled foods. If the ants are a continuing problem, look at the plants that are in the yard. Sweet-smelling trees and flowers that produce syrupy nectar attract ants. If there are these types of plants near the house, consider removing them.
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