How to Get Rid of Ants in Yard and Landscaping

Published on: February 21, 2021
Black ant crawling up a green leaf.

Is your lawn, landscaping and yard crawling with ants? Most ants are not harmful, but they can pose a problem if they are building large anthills or inviting other pests into your yard. Ants accumulate by the thousands once they decide to make your yard their home, and may eventually find a way into your home and other spaces. If you are unhappy with your small intruders, stay tuned to learn how to get rid of ants in yard and landscaping areas.

Most ants do not harm your lawn. In fact, ants tend to prefer sandy or rocky areas to build their nests or hills versus grassy areas. Ants can even help grass by eating the larvae of some pests that pose a danger to your lawn or garden. But not all ants are helpful – army ants will destroy most plant-life in their paths, including your expensive landscaping and gardens. If you are unable to live with these insects on your property, learn how to get rid of ants in the yard and gardens around your home.

Problems Caused by Ants

Ants are industrious creatures that can be an invasive species. While they do not cause as much damage to grass or other vegetation as some other pests, they can still have an impact on your lawn and landscaping. For one, they build a labyrinth of tunnels under a hill that can be an eyesore or hazard in your yard. Ant hills can be a tripping hazard and an aesthetic problem. Other possible problems caused by ants include:

  • Ants lure in aphids and other insects that can be damaging to plants in landscaping and gardens
  • Some ants can destroy plants and other organic material
  • Ants can bring in other pests to your yard that seek them for food
  • Ant problems outside can lead to ants inside your home

If you have an ant colony in your yard, it can lead to problems for your landscaping and home. If you wonder how to get rid of ants in the yard for good, try the following tips.

Natural Options to Reduce Ant Infestations

If ant hills are your only concern, you can rake these formations to reduce the appearance and eliminate the tripping hazard. However, this will not deter ants. They will continue to burrow and build their colony, even if you rake away their ant hills every week. How to get rid of ants in the yard naturally to stop ant hills and other problems? Here are some natural treatment options you can try for most types of ants:

  • Mix a solution of dish soap and water to spray on ant-infested areas
  • Diatomaceous earth sprinkled over hills and throughout the lawn can kill ants
  • Borax and water can be used to kill ants naturally
  • Pour white vinegar on ant hills or nests – vinegar can kill ants on contact
  • Red pepper, peppermint and cloves are all-natural deterrents for ants

If you have kids or pets playing in your yard, you do not want to use chemicals to kill ants if possible. These natural treatments can be effective in killing ants without endangering your family with chemicals in your yard. Plus, these treatments tend to be less expensive than chemicals or hiring a pro.

Chemical Ant Treatments

If natural remedies are not working or you want an instant extermination of your ant problem, you may prefer to use chemical treatments. There are DIY chemicals you can buy at your local landscaping supply store to eradicate ants in your yard. Most DIY ant killer products come in dry form or spray that can be used kill colonies. Most of these are spot treatments that should be sprayed only where the ants are located. Make sure the area is avoided by pets, kids and family members to reduce the chance of illness from the chemicals.
A high anthill in the grass.

Hire an Exterminator

If you do not want to deal with how to get rid of ants in the yard for good, considering hiring a professional. A pest control company or your landscaper can offer permanent solutions for controlling ants in your yard and around your home. Most professionals can spray around the lawn, gardens, landscaping and house exterior to keep invasive ant species at bay. While it may cost a little more, it is usually the most effective way to stop an ant infestation.

Not everyone is fine with ants building hills and nests in their landscaping, gardens and outdoor spaces. If you cannot live with ants sharing your yard, there are solutions to exterminate these insects and protect your landscaping from damage. Now you know how to get rid of ants in the yard for good and also reduce the risk of these insects invading your home.

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