Controlling Ant Mounds in Your Yard
It’s time to think about controlling ant mounds. It’s ant mound season. My wife was edging our front lawn recently when she noticed at least a dozen small ant mounds along the sidewalk. They were small brown ants that hindered grass growth. As she looked further, she saw more mounds inside the yard, many near a tree, and more in her flower beds. So, what should we do?
We learned that controlling ant mounds in a lawn involves targeting the colony queen with baits, granules, or natural remedies such as boiling water and diatomaceous earth, a fossilized algae. You can also apply insecticides such as Gamma-Cyhalothrin to the mounds.
Controlling Ant Mounds
- Insecticide
Insecticides should not only be applied to the mound, but also the surrounding two feet. Many require watering to activate.
- Boiling Water
It may require up to two gallons of boiling water poured onto the mound to kill the colony, so be careful. It can also take multiple attempts and damage the surrounding grass.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Sprinkle food-grade DE around and on the mound. A plus of this method of controlling ant mounds is that it is safe for pets and children.
- Vinegar Solution
Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and then spray the mixture on and around the mounds.
- Dish Soap and Water
Don’t throw that dish water away. Pour a mixture of dish soap and water onto the mound. It is said to suffocate the ants.
Lawn Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy lawn is another way to limit and control ant mounds in your yard. Ants don’t like a healthy lawn. They much prefer to build in thin or damaged turf.
Water Frequently
Regular, thorough watering can discourage ants from settling, as they prefer dry, disturbed soil.
Avoid Mowing Over Mounds
Mowing over a mound can spread the colony, eventually creating more mounds. It’s like seeding ants!
Pro Tips
- Timing
Whatever you use, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening when ants are active.
- Safety
Always read product labels regarding pet and child safety. Many treatments require waiting until the area is dry.
- Persistence
It may take several applications to fully eliminate a large colony, especially if the queen is not immediately killed.
- Perimeter Treatment
Apply granular insecticides around the foundation of your home to prevent an ant invasion. They do like to come inside.
Or You Can Contact Berger Hargis
Here’s what a happy Berger Hargis customer had to say.
“My lawn was riddled with ant mounds and what looked to be 30 different types of grass that couldn’t decide which way to grow. Desmond Corn and the team fixed that problem, and now my lawn is BEAUTIFUL. Desmond and the team are very understanding, always willing to work with your personal needs, and never ONCE suggested something unnecessary.” – Victoria V.
Looking Out My Front Window
As I’m writing this, I’m looking out my front window as my wife inspects the ant mounds she worked on yesterday, and I can see her shaking her head. It might be time to call in the pros at Berger Hargis.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
So, if we can answer any questions about pest control or landscaping in general, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
If you liked this post, you might appreciate It’s Tick Season.
Photo by Seval Torun on Unsplash
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