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Ants are generally not considered dangerous, but we know that sometimes they can cause significant damage to the health or at least the appearance of our lawn.

Controlling the spread of the lawn becomes important when the heaps they build cause damage to the roots. Colonies of ants that settle in large numbers build labyrinths in the root system of the lawn. In addition, the heaps scattered around the lawn could be a danger to those walking around the lawn or even cause damage to the blades of the lawnmowers.

As far as the heaps are concerned, in situations where the number of ants is not too large, the constant use of the rake is certainly helpful. Breaking the ground that constitutes the heap will disperse its population and doing so with constancy will prevent their transformation into heaps of hard earth. However, it will always be necessary to rake regularly, every week.

Certainly, another danger comes from the fact that many species "breed" cochineals and aphids, protecting and "maintaining" them in order to ensure a ready local source of honeydew. Honeydew is the substance secreted by these insects and the ants are fond of it. But the presence of such a colony will mean serious problems for your vegetables and ornamental plants, which we know to feed on cochineals and aphids.

Finally, we have to consider that ants prefer dry, well-draining soil and the areas with little traffic, in order not to be disturbed, where they can cause wide patches of dried grass due to their underground action on the roots.

Since ants form social communities, which can cover a small area as well as very large areas, the problems associated with them vary greatly. In the unfortunate event that you are "invaded" by a large colony, it will be imperative to intervene.

Control Ants Naturally

Eliminating ants on your lawn is quite challenging because children and pets will probably be used to using it.

A harmless 3% solution of soap dissolved in water sprayed on the infested area can certainly help without causing damage to the lawn.

Other treatments to try include kieselguhr (or diatomaceous earth sand) or a spray of borax and sugar in water.

Eliminating Ants With The Help Of Chemistry

Zone control is the best way to get rid of ants. In fact, they tend to concentrate only in certain areas and therefore it is possible to intervene with registered chemical agents only where necessary, limiting the possible damage to beneficial insects that are normally found on the lawn to a minimum.

You can use either a spray or granular formulation. Locate the ant farm and apply Carbaryl or Benfuracarb-based products without fear by following the instructions on the label. Obviously the use of a granular will require irrigation after application. In any case, wait until the chemically treated area has dried to allow children and animals to use the lawn.

Ants can be a blessing or a curse, so before using chemical agents consider the seriousness of the situation. Usually, the activity of ants limits the number of harmful insects, but not only. In fact, it can increase the aeration of the soil around the roots giving a "boost" to the best growth of the grass.

Consider Also The Benefits

If the invasion is not particularly serious, therefore, remember that the best remedy is to live with these mostly beneficial insects. Most ants feed on the larvae of insects that are harmful to the lawn, so let's keep them under control without "exterminating" them... Double victory for nature lovers!