How Do Ants Cause Damage to Lawns?

During late summer, ants can swarm into your yard. They are looking for food, and they will start building nests. These nests will be underground. They can extend as deep as three feet beneath the surface. If you spot ants, act quickly to kill them.

There are many ant species, and each has their own characteristics. Some are beneficial to your lawn, and others can be a nuisance. Some of the most common outdoor ant species include carpenter ants, mound ants, and army ants.

These insects can eat through the roots of your grass. They may also cause brown spots on your lawn. They may also be a threat to animals and humans.

If you are unable to kill the ants, you can try to make your lawn less appealing. One way to do this is to set up a large flower pot on the ground away from your children and pets. You can also sprinkle chili powder over the nests to irritate the ants.

If you are dealing with a large infestation, you can apply a chemical pesticide around your lawn. These pesticides are effective, but they are not suitable for use around children or animals.

Organic ant control methods include using canola oil. You can also apply diatomaceous earth. This is an insecticide that acts like glass on insect exoskeletons. It will kill ants in 48 hours.

Another method is to spread a food-grade DE on the lawn. The DE will kill the insects, but it is not toxic to pets or children.