Ants are among the most common pests in gardens and lawns, especially in warmer climates such as Brisbane. Not only are they unsightly, but ants can also cause serious damage to your lawn if left unchecked. So why do ants dig up the lawn?
In short, it’s because they’re looking for food. Ants are scavengers, so they’ll dig into the ground to find morsels of food. This can include small insects, larvae, or other organic matter that provides a source of nutrition for the colony.
The presence of ants in your lawn can be a sign that there is an imbalance in your soil’s nutrients. Ants will often follow trails created by other insects, such as termites and grubs. If these pests are present in your lawn, then ant infestations can result. Additionally, ants dig up the lawn to create nests and underground tunnels that provide protection from the elements and predators.
It’s also a good idea to keep your lawn clear of debris and clutter. This will help prevent ants from nesting in the area, as well as helping to maintain a healthy environment for your plants. If you do have an ant problem, however, it’s best to take action quickly before they cause further damage. Professional pest control services can help eliminate the infestation and give you advice on how to prevent ants from coming back.
Getting an ant problem under control is not always easy, but it’s important to start taking action as soon as possible. If you want to keep ants away from your lawn and garden, try these simple steps:
- Keep your yard free of debris – Ants are attracted to food sources, so make sure to keep fallen fruits and vegetables picked up off the ground as well as bird feeders and pet dishes.
- Use insecticides – Spraying insecticide in your lawn can help to get rid of an ant infestation. Be sure to read the directions carefully and follow all safety precautions.
- Plant mint or sage near entry points – Planting these aromatic herbs near cracks where ants might enter your yard may help keep them away.
- Use a diatomaceous earth barrier – Sprinkle this powdery substance around entry points and along ant trails. It works as an abrasive to cut the ants’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
- Repel ants with vinegar – Put a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it around the perimeter of your lawn to discourage ants from coming in.
- Disturb them with garlic – Garlic is another natural repellent that won’t harm pets or people, but it may not be as effective as other methods.
- Call an exterminator – If all else fails, calling a local pest control specialist is your best option for getting rid of ants. An exterminator can locate and identify ant species, determine the extent of the infestation, and advise you on the best treatment plan to get rid of them. So, contact ant pest control in Brisbane if you need help taking back control of your lawn.
Ultimately, if you want to keep ants from digging up your lawn, you’ll need to take preventative measures, like maintaining a neat landscape, eliminating food sources and setting up barriers. Good luck, and happy gardening!