How to manage ants in your lawn

How to manage ants in your lawn featured image

Out of all the insects you think you may come across in your lawn, for most UK homeowners, ants will be quite far down the list. However, they do exist and there are over 30 species that can be found in Britain.

You will know if an ants nest is in construction in your garden if you notice little piles of soil deposited on the surface of your lawn in a circular mound-like disturbance. Ants prefer dry and well-drained soils, so are much more likely to appear in sandy soil conditions. Some ant species may compromise the roots of your grass and you may experience some yellowing also in these areas, but these species are far and few between.

Ants and their nests only cause cosmetic damage to your lawn, and whilst we all love (especially us!) a beautifully green and untouched lawn â€“ ants where possible should be tolerated.

Although a rarity especially here in the UK, if you have concerns that the ants in your lawn may be harmful to yourself or others, you should contact an ant removal specialist who will be able to responsibly advise you on the species you are dealing with and what steps you should / shouldn’t take.

Here's how you should approach an ants nest in your lawn:

  1. Tolerate ants’ nests where possible.
  2. Brush away the mounds as they appear on a dry day to be level with your lawn and to lessen their appearance, avoid doing this on a wet day or it will smear the soil across your lawn.
  3. If you have concerns that the ant species may be harmful, contact an ant removal specialist.
  4. If removal is necessary, aim to use a non-pesticide control treatment such as nematodes.