Ant infestation on lawns - Knowledgebase Question

Name: Pattie McIntyre
Bridgton, ME
Avatar for frugalelf
Question by frugalelf
July 28, 2007
We put in new lawns last year but quickly noticed we had tons of ant hills. Is there any way to control or eliminate them?


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Answer from NGA
July 28, 2007
Ant hills are a nuisance in lawns. You can control the ants by drenching each mound area with diazinon or Dursban diluted solution. Rates: Diazinon labels are very clear about ant hill treatment; the amount of insecticide product per ant hill is specified (1 tablespoonful of 2% G or 1 1/2 teaspoons of 5% G or 2 tablespoonsful of 25% EC in 1 gallon of water per ant hill). Dursban is not as specific, but the same measurements will work. To prevent ant colonies:

(1) Keep lawn and garden debris cleaned up and actively composted to keep certain types of ant populations at a minimum. "Wood Ants (and their evil relatives, Termites)" will be attracted to old firewood piles and rotting wood and timber including residential construction elements; so be alert and make periodic inspections around your property.

(2) Some species of ants live in a symbiotic relationship with insects called aphids. The ants tend the aphid herds much like cattle to harvest the nectar the aphids work to collect. Try to eliminate aphid populations in your yard as part of an ant control effort. Aphids are a common pest of Roses and many other plants which have sweet aromatic blossoms.


Best wishes with your landscape!

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