As lawn care specialists, we receive a number of calls from concerned clients who find themselves with an army of ants invading their lawns.
These crawly critters can quickly make themselves quite at home building a nest of ant hills when they take up residence in your lawn. As much as a nuisance they swiftly become, lawn lovers will be surprisingly pleased to know that ants are part of a healthy ecosystem and do host many benefits for your beloved lawn.
So, we are answering some of your most frequently asked questions around ant control in your lawn.
Why can I find ants in my lawn?
Ants commonly nest underground in intricate tunnels which they build in the root systems of grass. These nests are where they feed their young and protect the queen. Ants tend to be most active between April and October as they are actively searching for food during this period.
Do ants damage the lawn?
Ants build an entrance to their nests by creating a hilled mound of dirt. Ants and their nests mostly cause cosmetic damage to your lawn, but these hills can also create an uneven ground posing a hazard to those using the lawn. Anthills can pose a risk to mower blades too. Generally, ants and anthills do little damage to grass but instead are considered a pest to homeowners.
How can ants benefit my lawn?
Ants are part of a healthy ecosystem and are beneficial to your garden. They de-compact and aerate the soil, aid decomposition, and also kill other bugs that can be detrimental to your lawn and plants so rather than an enemy, ants can be considered our partners in gardening.
Can I remove ants from my lawn?
It is best to tolerate ants’ nests where possible. Unless their nests are causing specific damage, they are best left alone.
For the anthills themselves, brush away the mounds as they appear on a dry day to be level with your lawn and to lessen their appearance, avoid doing this on a wet day or it will smear the soil across your lawn. A non-pesticide control treatment such as ‘Nemasys No Ants’ can be applied between April and October.
What attract ants to my lawn?
Ants are attracted to your lawn or garden as they are in search of food sources, water, and shelter. Ants prefer moist, well-drained conditions and so sandy soils are more likely to attract them. Like any species of wildlife, ants will seek out their desired conditions and will make themselves at home where suitable.
Can I prevent ants nesting in my lawn?
One way to prevent ant hills is to keep your turf healthy. Maintain a healthy root system by mowing your lawn at a height of 3 inches and watering it deeply.
Applying a fertiliser and providing your lawn the recommended nutrients it needs, will encourage a thick, lush lawn which ants tend to find less appealing.
Consider an annual treatment programme
At Lawntech, we offer an annual lawn care treatment programme designed to deliver your lawn a healthy balance of nutrient, weed, and moss control throughout the year.
Fertiliser will feed your lawn the nutrients it needs to increase vigour and strengthen your grass.
Proper use of lawn fertiliser can keep your lawn in good condition and will encourage strong, dense grass growth. Not only does lawn fertiliser improve the appearance of your lawn but it can also help your turf to recover from wear and tear and the effects of any harsh weather conditions.
To find out more about our annual lawn care treatment programme, you can contact our team today. To get a free, instant, no-obligation quote, you can enter your postcode on our website and measure your lawn online.
